Northern Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa 'Camperdown'
Planted 2008

Catalpas are interesting trees that are very adaptable to poor conditions. This variety has beautiful white blooms with orange lines and purple spots. The seed pods can be messy and the tree tends to deteriorate as the season goes. However, it is great for xeriscapes because of how adaptable it is.

Northern Catalpa
 
Close up of Northern Catalpa leaf
 Northern Catalpa Seedpod







Northern Catalpa bark




Height Width Zone Growth Rate Water Use
50 ft. 30 ft. 4-8 Medium Low

Leaf

Opposite, simple, and whorled. Very large, green in the summer and yellow in the fall.

Fruit

Long, green, seedpods that mature to a brown color. Split lengthwise to release wind-dispersed seeds.

Flower

Very large, white with orange lines and purple spots. Bell shaped.

Advantages

Tolerates poor and dry soils making it a good tree for difficult landscapes, great for xeriscapes.

Disadvantages

Inconsistent form, messy seed pods, looks messy by the end of the year.