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Chinese catalpa

How to identify Chinese catalpa (Catalpa ovata)

Chinese catalpa, also known as Yellow catalpa

Chinese catalpa stands as a modestly sized tree that exhibits a rounded crown when it reaches maturity. Its branches are adorned with large, heart-shaped leaves that might show signs of wear as the seasons turn. The foliage is vibrant green, offering a lush appearance during the growing period. With a propensity for both sunny and lightly shaded environments, chinese catalpa thrives in moist, rich soils. Despite its adaptive nature, chinese catalpa can exhibit irregular growth patterns, resulting in a somewhat asymmetrical silhouette.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese catalpa

1

Bell-shaped flowers with yellow-white color, marked by purple and orange spots (3/4 inches or 1.9 cm wide)

2

Elongated seed pods, starting green and maturing to brown, splitting lengthwise to reveal fluffy white seeds (16 inches or 40 cm long)

3

Large heart-shaped leaves, smooth texture, light green color with hairy veins on undersides (10 inches or 25 cm long and wide)

4

Robust trunk with ridges and deep fissures, transitioning bark color from gray to brown, especially apparent in mature specimens with a diameter of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

Chinese catalpaChinese catalpaChinese catalpaChinese catalpaChinese catalpa

Detailed Traits of Chinese catalpa

Leaf Features

Chinese catalpa leaves are large, measuring approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in both length and width. They are ovate in shape, exhibiting a light green color. The edges can vary from entire to lobed margins. The base is cordate, while the tips are pointed. The texture of the leaves is smooth, except for the undersides, which have hairy veins. During the fall, the leaves display an insignificant yellow color change.

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Flower Features

The flowers of chinese catalpa are bell-shaped and measure approximately 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) wide. They are predominantly yellow-white with distinctive purple and orange spots, adding to their ornamental appeal. Arranged on 10-inch (25 cm) long panicles, these flowers bloom in late spring. Resembling orchids, their intricate pattern and subtle hues make them notable. These flowers, although not as showy as some related species, are unique due to their coloration and structure.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of chinese catalpa is characterized by elongated seed pods that start as slender greens and gradually mature to a brown hue. They measure approximately 16 inches (40 cm) in length and 1/3 inch (0.85 cm) in width. Upon reaching maturity, these pods split lengthwise, revealing an interior laden with fluffy white seeds that contrast starkly with the brown exterior. The elongated pods and the distinctive seed presentation are key identification features for this species.

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Key Facts About Chinese catalpa

Attributes of Chinese catalpa
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
6 m to 9 m
Flower Color
Yellow
White
Cream
Purple
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Cream
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Chinese catalpa

Family
Bignonia
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Species
Chinese catalpa (Catalpa ovata)
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Distribution Map of Chinese catalpa

Chinese catalpa is a plant naturally hailing from East Asia. It has spread beyond its native region and is now cultivated in various parts of temperate Eurasia. Its introduced range extends across the more temperate zones of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia excluding its native area. Chinese catalpa has acclimated well in these locales and is often found in arboreta and botanical gardens.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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