Catalpa speciosa
catawba
A tall, spreading tree with large, heart-shaped leaves. Large purple-spotted, white flowers sparsely borne in July, followed by long, slender seedpods
Other common names
bois chavanoncigar tree
see moreearly-flowering catalpa
hardy catalpa
northern catalpa
shawnee wood
western catalpa
Indian cigar
Synonyms
Catalpa cordifolia
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Catalpa are deciduous trees of spreading habit, with handsome, large leaves and erect panicles of showy, bell-shaped flowers in late summer, followed by persistent, slender bean-like seed capsules
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & E USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny position; will tolerate a heavy clay soil. Shelter from strong winds as these may shred the large leaves. Protect from late spring frosts when young
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and rarely, honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.