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Bignoniaceae
Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
Southern generosity.
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
- Genus
- Catalpa
- Native to
- Southeastern United States
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- deciduous tree
- Height
- 30-50 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- Adaptable, moist, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 5-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Catalpa flowers resemble miniature orchids with ruffled white petals marked by yellow and purple nectar guides.
- The tree produces long, thin seed pods up to 20 inches long, earning it the nickname 'cigar tree.'
- Catalpa worms—actually sphinx moth caterpillars—feed exclusively on catalpa leaves and are prized as fishing bait in the South.
- The heart-shaped leaves can be enormous, reaching up to 12 inches across on young vigorous shoots.
- Catalpa wood is remarkably rot-resistant and was historically used for fence posts and railroad ties.
Color meanings
0
generosity
1
shelter
2
welcome