SCIENTIFIC NAME: Catalpa speciosa

COMMON NAME: Northern Catalpa, Hardy Catalpa

GARDEN SIZE: 40 to 60 feet tall by 20 to 40 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 4 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but highly adaptable; tolerates alkaline soils, dry sites, wet sites, occasional flooding, and road salt

HABIT (FORM): Large tree with a narrow to broadly oval, irregular crown and spreading branches

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Very large, heart-shaped green leaves with a coarse texture

FLOWERS: Large clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer

PLANT ORIGIN: Central and eastern United States

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Not required; performs well in poor soils

PRUNING: Minimal; prune for structure or safety due to weak wood

TOXICITY FLAGS: No significant toxicity reported

USES: Shade tree, specimen tree, city parkways, wide medians, difficult sites, urban plantings