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Northern Catalpa
Scientific Name:
Catalpa speciosa
Type:
Tree
Habitat:
Woodlands, forests, open areas, and other moist habitats
Range:
Native to the central United States between Arkansas and Illinois; naturalized around the country
Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
This species is
NON-NATIVE
to the Truckee Meadows.
Identification:
Northern catalpas are fast growing, large trees that can reach up to 60 feet in height. Their leaves are heart-shaped, with autumn colors of yellow-green to brown. These trees are distinguished for their fragrant white clusters of flowers which bloom in June and July as well as their long, bean-like seed pods.
Fast Facts:
The flowers of northern catalpas are great for insect pollinators. The white, bell-shaped flowers grow in four to eight inch clusters (panicles) and have orange and purple spots or stripes. The seed pods can be 8 to 20 inches long; both the seed pods and flowers can be messy when they fall, and branches are brittle and will break off in high winds/storms.
Catalpas are very tolerant to drought, sun, and heat, but can be sensitive to wind. If exposed to too much wind, the leaves can tatter.
Catalpas are not disease prone and do not require protection.
Northern catalpas are also called cigar-trees and hardy catalpas.
Catalpas are a low fire hazard.
Northern catalpas are regularly cultivated and planted in urban areas, including here in the Truckee Meadows.
Sources:
Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Northern Catalpa, https://tmwa.com/plants/catalpa/
Morton Arboretum, Northern Catalpa, https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/northern-catalpa/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Northern Catalpa, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=casp8
IUCN Red List, Northern Catalpa, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61985370/61985373
Contributor(s):
Micah Beck (research, content, & photo)
Alex Shahbazi (edits & page design)