University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Trees for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector
Southern Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
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Southern Catalpa leaf
Size:

Small
Size: medium
Medium

Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Relatively trouble-free; sometimes troubled by the catalpa sphinx moth, powdery mildew and leaf spots.
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 8 
[Find Your Zone]
Mature Height: 30-40 Feet
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 Form: Broad-spreading to irregular
Native To: United States
Soil Conditions:
Soil condition: DryDry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Tolerance: Alkaline SoilAlkaline Soil
Tolerance: Dry SitesDry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Massing
Patio
Screen
Use for: Shade.Shade
Use for: Specimen.Specimen
Street
Wind Break
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Brown
Green
 
Additional Notes: The tree is large and coarse and may not fit into many landscapes, the fruit can be messy when they fall.