Southern Catalpa, Indian Cigar, Eastern Catalpa, Smoking Bean, Indian Bean Tree, Catalpa catalpa, Catalpa syringaefolia
Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. Known for its showy flowers, large heart-shaped leaves, and long, slender seed pods, it is a popular ornamental tree that also supports local wildlife. Despite its beauty, it can be messy due to falling leaves, flowers, and seed pods.
Catalpa is a member of the Bignoniaceae family, which includes several striking and widely cultivated trees and vines, such as Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), Chitalpa (× Chitalpa tashkentensis), Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata), and Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans).
Southern Catalpa is native to the Gulf Coast states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It has been widely planted and naturalized across the southeastern and central United States. It thrives in moist woodlands, along riverbanks, and in disturbed areas.
Southern Catalpa is a deciduous tree with an irregular, spreading crown. It has a short, thick trunk with crooked branches that form a rounded to irregular canopy. Its distinctive large leaves and showy flowers make it a striking landscape feature.
Southern Catalpa typically grows between 30 and 60 feet (9-18 m) in height and 20 to 40 feet (6-12 m) in spread. It is considered a fast-growing tree, often adding 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) per year, especially in optimal conditions with moist, well-drained soils and full sun. Its rapid growth makes it a popular choice for quick shade and ornamental value. Discover 35 Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens
Southern Catalpa can live between 40 and 50 years. While it is not the longest-lived tree, it grows quickly and establishes itself well in urban and suburban environments.
Southern Catalpa bursts into bloom in late spring to early summer, producing large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, each measuring 1.5 inches across (4 cm). These fragrant white blossoms are richly adorned with striking yellow stripes and purple speckles in their throats, arranged in clusters of 10-20, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the tree develops an abundance of long, slender green seedpods, reaching up to 15 inches (37 cm) in length. These pods mature to a deep brown in fall and persist through winter, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
Southern Catalpa features large, heart-shaped leaves that are bright green and grow up to 10 inches long (25 cm). The upper surface is glossy, while the undersides are densely hairy. In fall, the foliage rarely develops significant color before dropping. When crushed, the leaves release an unpleasant odor.
Young trees have smooth, grayish-brown bark, which matures into a rough, scaly texture with shallow fissures. The bark provides some winter interest and serves as a habitat for insects and small wildlife.
Southern Catalpa thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. It tolerates a range of soil conditions, including poor soils, and is resistant to urban pollution.
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Southern Catalpa plays a vital role in supporting wildlife by providing food, shelter, and breeding opportunities for various species.
Due to its value to pollinators, insectivorous birds, and small mammals, Southern Catalpa is an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes, butterfly gardens, and naturalized areas.
Southern Catalpa is relatively resistant to deer browsing but may experience damage from rabbits when young.
The roots of Southern Catalpa are highly poisonous.
Southern Catalpa spreads readily through self-seeding, particularly in disturbed areas. In some regions, it is considered weedy or invasive, as it can establish itself in natural habitats and outcompete native species.
Water young trees regularly until established. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
Southern Catalpa typically does not require fertilization. However, a balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage growth if needed.
Southern Catalpa is easily propagated from seeds, which are found in its long, cigar-shaped pods. This method is the most common way to grow new trees and requires minimal effort.
Although less common than seed propagation, cuttings can be used to clone an existing tree, ensuring that the new plant retains the same characteristics as the parent tree.
Despite these drawbacks, Southern Catalpa remains a beautiful and ecologically valuable tree for landscapes.
No, the fruit of the Southern Catalpa is not considered edible for humans. The long seed pods contain numerous winged seeds, but they are not typically consumed due to their tough texture and lack of palatability.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Bignoniaceae |
Genus | Catalpa |
Common names | Catalpa, Southern Catalpa |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m) |
Spread | 20' - 40' (6.1m - 12.2m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maine, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, California, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Oregon, Virginia, Alabama, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Utah |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Bignoniaceae |
Genus | Catalpa |
Common names | Catalpa, Southern Catalpa |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m) |
Spread | 20' - 40' (6.1m - 12.2m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maine, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, California, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Oregon, Virginia, Alabama, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Utah |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Catalpa bignonioides (Southern Catalpa) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Catalpa bignonioides (Southern Catalpa) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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