Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides 

Availability: 3g, 7g & 15g size

Tree
Max Size: 50′ tall x 35′ wide
Average Size: 40′ tall x 25′ wide

Loam, Sand
Full Sun, Part Shade
Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
No Salt Tolerance

AKA: Bean Tree, Cigar Tree

This deciduous tree has a yellow fall color and blooms with white blossoms in the spring. The fruits are inedible brown pods that look like long beans. The wood is extremely rot-resistant. It likes to send out root suckers. It attracts many butterflies and bees, and is the larval host for catalpa sphinx moth (Ceratomia catalpae) and tersa sphinx (Xylophanes tersa). It also attracts catawaba worms, which make a useful bait for fishing.

The wood is useful for posts, poles, rails, cabinet work, and interior finishes. A decoction of the bark has been historically used as a laxative.