A short-trunked, broad-crowned tree, to 49',
native to southern states, but now widely planted and frequently escaped in the
eastern U.S. Usually planted for its shade and flowers, the wood is durable and
useful for posts. The Northern catalpa, C. speciosa Warder, with larger flowers
and wider pods, has also been planted in the Commonwealth.
Opposite or whorled, simple, heart-shaped, 6"-10"
long and 6" wide; margin entire or wavy; smooth above, hairy beneath.
Twigs
Stout, yellow-brown; no buds at the ends. Side buds small,
appear to be hidden in bark. Large, nearly round, depressed leaf scars are characteristic.
Fruit
Bean-like, to 15" long & 12" wide, halves separating
when ripe, may persist on tips of branches all winter, many seeds, each with long
white hairs on both ends. Flowers in July, arranged in terminal clusters about
10" long; each showy flower white with yellow and purple spots, 2" in
diameter.
Bark
Light brown, shallowly ridged and scaly.
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Guide
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