Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Catalpa Bignonioides

Size:

50' tall

Leaves:

whorled (3 at each node) or opposite, simple, 4"-9" long and heart-shaped, untoothed, of unpleasant odor when crushed

Flowers:

large white bell-shaped flowers, with two yellow spots and numerous small purple stripes and spots in throat, with upper lip 2-lobed and lower lip 3-lobed, in large terminal panicles; May-June, 2-3 weeks later than northern catalpa

Fruit:

long slender persistent pods releasing seeds in spring

Fall Interest:

yellow; deciduous

Culture:

sun; deep, relatively moist soil

Disease/Insect:

catalpa sphinx moth caterpillars, a favorite bait

Use:

large property or park, windbreak; wood in contact with the ground extremely resistant to rot, has been used for posts and rails

Cultivars:

Notes:

flowers about two weeks later than northern catalpa; southern catalpa was listed in the plant trade as early as 1720; native to southeastern US and brought to Arkansas