Chinese catalpa Catalpa ovata

Chinese catalpa is a small, deciduous, flowering tree native to China. It is a member of the trumpetvine family (Bignoniaceae). The name Catalpa is derived from the Muscogee name for the tree, "kutuhlpa," and the species epithet means “ovate” and describes the shape of the leaves.

It prefers moist, loamy soil, high in organic matter, but it will tolerate drier, less fertile sites. It grows in full sun to partial shade.

It self-seeds easily and has naturalized in some areas of the USA. In its mature form it can be an attractive, rounded shade tree, but it often grows out of shape. Its large leaves can become damaged as the growing season progresses making them less attractive. The pale yellow flowers distinguish the Chinese catalpa from the two other catalpas that are native to the USA. Although not native, it is a host to two native moths, the catalpa sphinx (Ceratomia catalpae) and the tersa sphinx (Xylophanes tersa), which are important food sources for birds and bats. 

It is an ideal tree for that tricky low wet spot or an area with poor soils. It is suitable for an Asian garden, a butterfly garden or rain garden, but this species is showing signs of becoming invasive.

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 unsightly from wind or hail.