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Northern catalpa

How to identify Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

Northern catalpa

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Northern catalpa

1

Large ovate leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

2

Distinctive white flowers with yellow stamens and purple markings.

3

Elongated bean-like seed pods add ornamental appeal.

4

Fruit reaching lengths of up to 22 inches (56 cm), resembling cigars.

5

Robust trunk with pale grey to reddish-brown bark and scaly ridges.

Northern catalpaNorthern catalpaNorthern catalpaNorthern catalpaNorthern catalpa

Detailed Traits of Northern catalpa

Leaf Features

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.

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Margin

Undulate

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Flower Features

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.

Northern catalpa Flower image
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Fruit Features

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.

Northern catalpa Fruit image
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Key Facts About Northern catalpa

Attributes of Northern catalpa
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
15 m to 30 m
Spread
12 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm to 6 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Yellow
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Northern catalpa

Family
Bignonia
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Species
Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
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Distribution Map of Northern catalpa

Despite its wide distribution across its native Central and Eastern US, northern catalpa isn't classed as an invasive species. This tree grows in a wide range of different soils and habitats across its native range. It was introduced in Romania and South Korea.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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