About the Northern
Catalpa :
The Northern Catalpa tree, Catalpa speciosa,
is now naturalized in urban and rural areas and
is primarily used today as a large ornamental
shade tree. Farmers introduced Northern Catalpa
to Ohio in order to produce large amounts of
relatively lightweight timber for fenceposts,
since the wood is very resistant to rotting.This
deciduous tree is also known as Hardy Catalpa,
Western Catalpa, Cigar Tree, and Catawba-Tree.
It may reach heights of 70 feet tall and 40 feet
wide.
As a member of the Bignonia Family, it is
related to Trumpet Vine, Royal Paulownia, and
other species of Catalpa, all of which are known
for their showy flowers. Northern Catalpa trees
are a very fast growing trees with large
heart-shaped leaves. The white flowers are on
4-8 inch long panicles in late June. Fruit is a
long pod. Very tolerant of tough conditions.
