Southern Catalpa Catalpa bignonioides

The medium sized, flowering deciduous tree Catalpa bignonioides is a relatively easily grown shade tree that prefers moderate soils but is tolerant of both wet and dry conditions. It prefers being grown in full sun to part shade and has an irregular shape once grown.

This tree has an irregular shape 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.

This plant does not have many problems with diseases however it may be susceptible to verticillium wilt, leaf spots, mildew, and anthracnose blight. Additionally, caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth feed on and cause damage to its foliage.

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, the foliage is unpleasantly fragrant when damaged.

Note that this tree also flowers later than C. speciosa and retains more of a purple color.

Form: Short, thick trunk; broadly rounded with an irregular crown

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.