Chitalpa
Chitalpa x tashkentensis
Bignoniaceae - Catalpa

Description

Leaves: Alternate, occasionally opposite; simple; 4" to 5" long, 1" wide; deciduous; entire; narrow-elliptic to lanceolate; dull green; glabrous above and slightly pubescent beneath.

Twigs/buds: Twigs orangish-brown to reddish-brown.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect; blooms in late spring; terminal erect clusters (racemes); 1" long, trumpet-shaped, pink, white, or lavender, yellowish center with purple veins in the throat; showy. Does not generally produce fruit.

Bark: Smooth, light gray, becoming darkened and thickened with age.

Wood: Weak; little information available.

General: General name given to hybrids of Catalpa bignonioides (Southern catalpa) and the Utah native Chilopsis linearis (desertwillow); long blooming flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds. Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Landscape Use: Fairly drought tolerant, small, multi-trunked shade tree that can be trained to a single leader if desired. Fast-growing, yet handles strong winds without breaking. Deep root system prevents damage to patio or walks. Tolerates high pH soils, heat, and drought and is ideal for low-water landscapes. Zones 6-9.

Cultivars: 'Morning Cloud', 'Pink Dawn'.

Characteristics

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