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southern catalpa
Scientific Name: Catalpa bignonioides
Family: Bignoniaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)
Catalpa bignonioides, commonly known as Southern Catalpa, cigartree, or Indian-bean-tree, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is widely planted as an ornamental shade tree due to its showy flowers and distinctive seed pods.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant produces long, sausage-shaped cylindrical fruits.
- It has white bell-shaped flowers.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces long, sausage-shaped cylindrical fruits.
- It has white bell-shaped flowers.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Catalpa bignonioides Walter
- Family: Bignoniaceae
- Common Names: Southern Catalpa, Cigartree, Indian Bean Tree, Catawba, Bean Tree, Indian Bean, Indian Cigar Tree, Lady Cigar.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southeastern United States.
- Commonly found along roadsides and in old yards.
- Best growth occurs in moist bottomland soils but can tolerate upland sites.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous tree, typically reaching 25-40 ft in height, sometimes up to 50 ft, with an equal or greater spread. Some texts say 30-40ft.
- Grows at a medium rate.
- Short-trunked tree with a rounded to irregular form.
- Large panicles of white, bell-shaped flowers.
- Large, cordate (heart-shaped) leaves arranged oppositely or in whorls.
- Produces long, skinny, sausage-shaped, cylindrical seed pods.
Quirky Facts
- Catalpa worms, which feed on the leaves, make great fishing bait.
- The heartwood is resistant to attack by the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes).
Ecological Role
- Host plant for Catalpa worms.