Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Tree

Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides

Southern Catalpa leaf
Southern Catalpa leaf
 
Features
Large clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers, blooming in late spring; large, heart-shaped leaves. 
 
Culture
Full sun or partial shade; best in moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates wet, dry and alkaline sites. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Aurea'- leaves have a golden color in the early part of the season, then change to green; may be difficult to obtain.
 
 
Mature Height
30-40 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Form
Broad-spreading to irregular 
 
Native To:
United States 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Shade
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Brown
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Relatively trouble-free; sometimes troubled by the catalpa sphinx moth, powdery mildew and leaf spots.
 
Additional Notes
The tree is large and coarse and may not fit into many landscapes, the fruit can be messy when they fall.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic