Available for Delivery August 2024
Catalpa speciosa
Zone: 4
Size: 50-60’ H x 25-40’ W
A Native to Minnesota, Northern Catalpa has an exotic look to it that doesn’t feel native, despite the fact that its native range starts nearby in Illinois and Indiana. Enormous, heart-shaped leaves set the background for clusters of showy, Azalea-like flowers that bloom in June. These flowers have deep purple and dark gold speckles and patches inside their throats. Blooms become long, green bean-shaped pods in late summer. These pods persist into winter, which helps make litter more manageable. Arguably, this tree’s best asset is its adaptability. The Catalpa can handle high pH soils and extreme fluctuations in soil moisture. Excessive heat and road salt are also well tolerated. While it can achieve some pretty awesome size, you don’t typically see huge examples in our region, despite the rapid growth rate. The Catalpa does benefit from some structural management to help develop stronger branch angles and reduce breakage susceptibility.
