ExplorePlants

northern catalpa

Catalpa speciosa

The northern catalpa is a tall tree with big, heart-shaped leaves and beautiful white flowers. It provides shade and is loved by many birds and butterflies.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The northern catalpa has large, heart-shaped leaves and showy white bell-shaped flowers with purple and yellow markings. Its most distinctive feature is the long, slender, bean-like pods that hang from its branches through winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyBignoniaceaeGenusCatalpa
northern catalpa
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
northern catalpa

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A single northern catalpa tree can produce thousands of long, bean-like pods!

Early settlers used parts of the catalpa tree in traditional herbal remedies!

Its strong, rot-resistant wood was historically used for fence posts and railroad ties!

The unique 'catalpa worms' that feast on its leaves are prized fishing bait!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Growth Spurt

Northern catalpa can grow incredibly fast, reaching mature heights quickly to compete for sunlight.

Ability

Water Whisperer Roots

This tree has deep roots that help it find water, allowing it to thrive even in drier conditions.

Ability

Seed Launcher Pods

Its long, bean-like pods burst open, flinging hundreds of winged seeds far from the parent tree.

Measurements & details

Height
1500-3000 cm
Spread
1000-1500 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Late_spring_early_summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen from flowers

eats

Catalpa Sphinx Moth

Ceratomia catalpae

larvae feed exclusively on catalpa leaves

depends on

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

drinks nectar from its showy flowers

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay away from the tree's long pods; they can be messy when they fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is northern catalpa?

1500-3000 cm

How wide does northern catalpa spread?

1000-1500 cm

How big are the flowers on northern catalpa?

3-5 cm

When does northern catalpa bloom?

Late_spring_early_summer

Is northern catalpa edible?

No

Is northern catalpa toxic?

Mild

What is northern catalpa's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is northern catalpa pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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