Catalpa
Catalpa bignonioides
A distinctive shade tree with huge heart-shaped leaves and showy clusters of white orchid-like flowers in late spring. Fast-growing and hardy, it produces long bean-like seed pods that hang from branches all winter, creating unique architectural interest. Perfect for homeowners wanting quick shade with tropical flair.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
30-60 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Catalpa in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shade-tree →Zone Map
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Catalpa · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 20 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Root Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
After flowering, seeds appear in long narrow pods (to 15 inches long). Pods mature to dark brown in fall and then split open lengthwise to release the seeds. Seed pods give rise to the common name of cigar tree. Seeds ripen from October to December.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Southeastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Pollution, Poor Soil
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Easy to Grow, Shade, Wildlife Larval Host
- +Wildlife value: Attracts bees. Host plant for two native moths: the catalpa sphinx and the tersa sphinx.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Thrives in partial shade under catalpa canopy, complementary root depths
Ferns
Excellent shade tolerance, adds texture contrast to catalpa understory
Astilbe
Flourishes in dappled shade, provides colorful blooms under tree canopy
Heuchera
Shade-loving perennial with attractive foliage that complements catalpa's large leaves
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that thrives in catalpa's filtered shade conditions
Impatiens
Shade-tolerant annual providing continuous color under catalpa branches
Caladium
Heat and humidity tolerant shade plant that pairs well with catalpa's growing conditions
Coral Bells
Tolerates shade well and provides season-long foliage interest
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to catalpa and inhibits its growth
Rose
Competes for nutrients and requires full sun conditions catalpa canopy prevents
Tomato
Catalpa leaves contain compounds that may inhibit nightshade family growth
Grass Lawn
Competes aggressively for water and nutrients, catalpa roots are shallow
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant
Common Pests
Catalpa sphinx caterpillars, aphids
Diseases
Leaf spot, powdery mildew (minor issues)