treeN. America Native

Heartland Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa 'Hiawatha 2'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium (around 60 years)

Native To

Midwestern United States

Toxicity

Parts of the plant can be mildly toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Catalpa speciosa, the Northern Catalpa, is a tough, fast-growing North American native tree. It is characterized by its huge, heart-shaped leaves, showy panicles of orchid-like white flowers, and long, bean-like seed pods that persist through winter. 'Hiawatha 2', sold as Heartland Catalpa, is a cultivar selected for a straighter, more uniform central trunk than is typical for the often-crooked species. This makes it a more reliable and predictable choice for landscape and street tree use.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Heartland Catalpa is a statement tree, offering a coarse, tropical texture with its enormous leaves. In early summer, it produces beautiful, fragrant, orchid-like flowers, followed by long, decorative seed pods that add winter interest.

Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for quickly establishing shade. The wood is very rot-resistant and was historically used for fence posts and railroad ties. The tree is extremely tolerant of difficult urban conditions.

The flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is the sole host plant for the catalpa sphinx moth, whose caterpillars (catalpa worms) are a prized bait for fishing and a food source for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun for best flowering.
This tree is highly adaptable to almost any soil type.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but it's not essential for this tough tree.

Pro Tip

Be prepared for leaf and seed pod litter; this is a 'messy' tree best sited away from patios and walkways.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it plenty of room to grow to its large mature size.
Water during extreme drought, but it is generally self-sufficient once established.
Enjoy its unique, coarse texture and bold appearance in the landscape.
Prune young trees to encourage a single, strong leader.

Don't

Don't plant it in a small yard or close to buildings.
Avoid planting over areas where you don't want flower, leaf, and pod drop.
Don't top the tree, as this will ruin its structure and lead to weak regrowth.
Don't worry about poor soil; it will likely thrive anyway.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bold specimen for large open areasTough, adaptable park or reclamation treeFast-growing shade tree with a tropical look

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Eupatorium maculatum Rudbeckia maxima Physocarpus opulifolius Viburnum dentatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Heartland Catalpa questions

What zones can Heartland Catalpa grow in?

Heartland Catalpa is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Heartland Catalpa deer resistant?

Yes — Heartland Catalpa is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Heartland Catalpa bloom?

Heartland Catalpa typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Heartland Catalpa need full sun?

Heartland Catalpa does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Heartland Catalpa drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Heartland Catalpa handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.