Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Cigartree

How to identify Cigartree (Catalpa bignonioides)

Cigartree, also known as Catawba, Caterpillar tree

Cigartree is a medium-sized deciduous tree sporting a short, robust trunk and a broadly rounded, irregular crown. Its growth is suitable for moderate soils and it shows remarkable tolerance to wet, clay, and dry conditions. The foliage arrangement presents a sun-loving nature but can tolerate partial shade. Its ornamental value peaks in early summer with copious white flowers, each spanning roughly 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Post-bloom, distinctive seed pods dangle like strings from the branches, contributing to its unique aesthetic presence.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Cigartree

1

Large heart-shaped leaves with prominent vein patterns, emitting an unpleasant odor when crushed.

2

White bell-shaped flowers with yellow and purple spots, forming 6 to 12-inch panicles.

3

Distinctive dark brown, woody seed pods resembling elongated cigars, splitting open lengthwise.

4

Rough, deeply furrowed bark on mature trunk with crooked branching pattern, stout coarse branches.

5

Green smooth young stems transitioning to textured grayish-brown bark, twisted and turning as they grow.

CigartreeCigartreeCigartreeCigartreeCigartree

Detailed Traits of Cigartree

Leaf Features

The leaves of cigartree are large, heart-shaped, and slightly pubescent, measuring approximately 10 inches (25 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. These simple leaves can appear in a whorled or opposite arrangement. They have a green coloration and emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. The texture is slightly hairy, and the leaves lack significant fall color. Their prominent vein pattern further aids in identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

Cigartree flowers bloom in early to late summer, typically later than C. speciosa. They form 6 to 12-inch (15 to 30 cm) panicles of white, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) across, adorned with two rows and ridges of yellow spots and numerous purple spots, creating a striking ornamental display. These features are key to identifying cigartree's charming and vividly patterned blooms.

Cigartree Flower image
Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stem of cigartree is characterized by its rough, grayish-brown bark, which becomes deeply furrowed as the plant matures. Typically 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in diameter, the stem showcases a crooked branching pattern, often twisting and turning. The branches are stout and coarse, contributing to a rugged appearance. Young stems are green and smooth, transitioning to a more textured surface as they age. This distinctive crooked branching helps in easily identifying cigartree.

Cigartree Stem image
Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of cigartree develops into conspicuous, elongated pods measuring up to 15 inches (38 cm) in length. As summer transitions to fall, these pods mature to a dark brown hue and adopt a woody texture. Once matured, they distinctively split open lengthwise, revealing numerous seeds that are released between October and December. These seed pods, resembling elongated cigars, stand out among other tree fruits and are a key identification feature of cigartree.

Cigartree Fruit image
Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Cigartree easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Cigartree

Attributes of Cigartree
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 4 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Yellow
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Cigartree

Family
Bignonia
Icon allow
Species
Cigartree (Catalpa bignonioides)
Learn More About the Cigartree

Distribution Map of Cigartree

Cigartree comes from a number of southeastern states in the United States. It prefers to grow in open fields that are somewhat humid. Used as an ornamental around the world, it has been introduced to the wild in a few disparate countries around the northern hemisphere.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app