Catalpa-Catalpa speciosa
The catalpa tree grows 40 to 60 feet tall with a 20 to 40-foot spread of branches. Large, showy white, trumpet-shaped flowers grace the catalpa tree in late spring. Its narrow crown is oval-shaped or uneven, upright with distinctively large, heart-shaped, bright green leaves and long, bean-like pods. The catalpa tree withstands wet, dry, alkaline soils and hot, dry environments. The catalpa can be a low water-use tree and is quick to sequester larger than average quantities of carbon. Plant catalpa trees in sun or partial shade in zones 4 to 8. Large, broad-leafed shade trees such as the catalpa can decrease energy use when planted to shade the east and west windows of a home or business. Click here for more information.
Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulturist, Bugwood.com
Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org
