SafePlants

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Safe for Children?

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Safe for Dogs?

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Safe for Cats?

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Safe for Reptiles?

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catalpa

Scientific Name: Catalpa

Family: Bignoniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Catalpa: An Overview

Catalpa, also known as catawba, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. They are native to warm temperate and subtropical regions.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of dangling bean-like seed pods, which might be attractive to some pets.
  • The tree is known for attracting the Catalpa Sphinx moth larvae (caterpillars) which could be of interest to some pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the presence of dangling bean-like seed pods, which might be attractive to children.
  • The tree is known for attracting the Catalpa Sphinx moth larvae (caterpillars) which could be of interest to children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Catalpa
  • Common Names: Catalpa, Catawba
  • Catalpa speciosa: Northern Catalpa, Hardy Catalpa, Western Catalpa, Cigar Tree, Catawba-tree

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Bignoniaceae
  • Synonyms for Catalpa bignonioides: Catalpa syringaefolia, Bignonia Catalpa, Catalpa cordifolia

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to warm temperate and subtropical regions.
  • Catalpa speciosa (Northern Catalpa) is originally native to the lower Ohio River valley and central Mississippi River Valley. It has been widely distributed.
  • Catalpas (two species) are native to the midwestern and southeastern United States.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous trees of spreading habit.
  • Handsome, large, heart-shaped leaves.
  • Erect panicles of showy, bell-shaped flowers in late summer.
  • Dangling bean-like seed pods.
  • Catalpa speciosa (Northern Catalpa) grows to a height of 40-70 feet (occasionally to 100 feet) and a spread of 20-40 feet at maturity, with an irregular, open-rounded to narrow-oval crown.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The catalpa tree serves as a food source for the fish-loving catalpa caterpillar (Catalpa Sphinx moth larvae).
  • Catalpa is known for attracting the Catalpa Sphinx moth larvae, which some consider a drawback due to their feeding habits.

Quirky Facts

  • The wood is valuable, being nearly entirely heartwood which can range from a neutral grayish tan to a richer golden brown in color.