Cigar Tree Catalpa bignonioides

The Southern Catalpa is a medium sized, flowering deciduous tree with a short, thick trunk and a broadly rounded irregular crown. It is a relatively easily grown shade tree that prefers moderate soils, but is tolerant of clay and wet or dry conditions including seasonal flooding. In nature, it is most often found in rich moist soils by the sides of streams and rivers and it has a reputation for escaping cultivation. It prefers being grown in full sun to part shade and will not grow in full shade. This tree has an irregular shape as it matures and blooms with white flowers that are about an inch and a half in width in early summer. It is a very long-lived tree and after this initial flowering, seed pods are produced which droop from the branches in a unique, string-like display. The genus name comes from the North American Indian name for the tree while the species name means resembling the genus Bignonia.

This tree has an extensive root system and is sometimes grown to stabilize soil. Some negative aspects of this tree are that the irregular shape may not fit with the landscape, seemingly having randomly spreading and crooked branches which can be off-putting. In addition, while the flowers have a pleasant fragrance, the foliage is unpleasantly fragrant when crushed. Note that this tree also flowers later than C. speciosa and retains more of a purple color.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious problems.  Catalpa sphinx moth caterpillars can do significant damage.  Mildew, twig blight, verticillium wilt, and leaf spots are occasional problems.  Leaves can become damaged and look ratty from wind or hail.