southern catalpa
ExplorePlants
southern catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
The southern catalpa is a beautiful tree with large, heart-shaped leaves and lovely white flowers. It can grow quite tall and provides shade for people and animals alike.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The southern catalpa has very large, light green, heart-shaped leaves and showy white, bell-shaped flowers with purple spots and yellow stripes. Its most distinctive feature is the long, slender, bean-like seed pods that hang from its branches through winter.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyBignoniaceaeGenusCatalpa
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Catalpa worms, a prized fishing bait, are actually caterpillars that only eat catalpa leaves!
Its wood is incredibly rot-resistant, making it a favorite for fence posts that last ages!
Some people call it the "cigar tree" because its long, slender seed pods look just like cigars!
The tree's giant leaves can sometimes grow over a foot long, making them feel like elephant ears!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Seed Dispersal
Southern catalpa has long, persistent seed pods that allow seeds to scatter gradually throughout winter, maximizing their chance to find good soil.
Ability
Pollinator Beacon
Its showy white flowers have purple and yellow markings that act as 'nectar guides,' directing insects straight to the pollen for efficient pollination.
Ability
Fast Grower
The southern catalpa can grow surprisingly fast, quickly establishing itself in sunny spots and reaching for the sky to get more sunlight.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1000-1800 cm
- Spread
- 600-1200 cm
- Flower Size
- 3-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eaten by
catalpa sphinx moth
Ceratomia catalpae
Its leaves are the sole food source for these caterpillars.
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
Bees are attracted to its nectar-rich, showy flowers.
shelters
eastern gray squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Provides shelter and nesting sites within its canopy.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to climb too high in trees, and always ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is southern catalpa?
1000-1800 cm
How wide does southern catalpa spread?
600-1200 cm
How big are the flowers on southern catalpa?
3-5 cm
When does southern catalpa bloom?
Summer
Is southern catalpa edible?
No
Is southern catalpa toxic?
Mild
What is southern catalpa's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is southern catalpa pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_1959.jpg&width=800)
