

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.
Large heart-shaped leaves with prominent vein patterns, emitting an unpleasant odor when crushed.
White bell-shaped flowers with yellow and purple spots, forming 6 to 12-inch panicles.
Distinctive dark brown, woody seed pods resembling elongated cigars, splitting open lengthwise.
Rough, deeply furrowed bark on mature trunk with crooked branching pattern, stout coarse branches.
Green smooth young stems transitioning to textured grayish-brown bark, twisted and turning as they grow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Scientific Classification of Cigartree