

How to identify Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Northern catalpa stands out with its distinctive showy white flowers adorned with yellow stamens and purple markings. These blossoms emerge in late spring and signal the beginning of summer. It possesses a rounded crown and branches that spread widely, carrying large, ovate leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The foliage undergoes a dramatic transition to bright yellow before fading to black in the autumn. Notably, northern catalpa produces elongated, bean-like seed pods that contribute to its ornamental appeal.
Large ovate leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
Distinctive white flowers with yellow stamens and purple markings.
Elongated bean-like seed pods add ornamental appeal.
Fruit reaching lengths of up to 22 inches (56 cm), resembling cigars.
Robust trunk with pale grey to reddish-brown bark and scaly ridges.
The leaves of northern catalpa are large, ranging from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in length. They are light green, turning yellow-green to brown in the fall. Positioned either in whorls or opposite pairs, these simple leaves exhibit a pointed tip and a heart-shaped (cordate) base. The leaves feature entire margins and pinnate venation. The underside is covered in a soft pubescence. Unlike some related species, they lack an unpleasant fragrance when crushed.
The flowers of northern catalpa are arranged in upright panicles, featuring bell-shaped blooms approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Each flower is predominantly white with distinctive orange stripes and purple spots and stripes, enhancing its visual appeal. The petals are fused at the base, forming a tubular corolla. These flowers emit a mild, pleasant fragrance and typically bloom in late spring to early summer. Their showy appearance and unique coloration make them easily identifiable.
The fruit of northern catalpa is a notable feature that aids in its recognition. This elongated fruit resembles a bean and reaches impressive lengths of up to 22 inches (56 cm). When it reaches maturity in the fall, its exterior adopts a dark brown hue. These fruits exhibit a distinctive texture and split lengthwise to release their contents. Within, they house wind-dispersed seeds, enabling propagation. Due to their unique shape and appearance, these fruits are commonly likened to cigars.
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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.
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.
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.
Scientific Classification of Northern catalpa