treeN. America Native

Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides

$119.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Catalpa bignonioides is a deciduous medium-sized tree native to stream banks and river bottoms across the southeastern United States. It features large, heart-shaped leaves held in opposite pairs or whorls of three that emit an unpleasant odor when bruised.

In late spring to early summer, upright panicles of bell-shaped white flowers marked with yellow streaks and purple spots bloom across the canopy. These blooms give way to elongated, narrow seed pods that persist on brittle branches into winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces showy, trumpet-shaped white flowers in late spring followed by distinctive long seed pods.

Tolerates wet soils, clay, and seasonal flooding where other shade trees struggle.

Serves as the primary larval host for the catalpa sphinx moth and attracts hummingbirds and native bees with nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

709"

Width

591"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic, minor skin irritant

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$119.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with adequate space for a wide, irregular canopy.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth, ensuring the root flare rests level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle air pockets around the roots.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of direct contact with the trunk bark.

Pro Tip

Prune minimally during late winter dormancy to remove dead wood, avoiding heavy cuts into old leafless wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons until the root system is established.
Prune during winter dormancy to remove dead or brittle branches.
Clear fallen pods and leaves in winter to maintain ground sanitation under the tree.

Don't

Do not plant near power lines, structures, or parking areas where brittle branch drop or seed pod litter causes damage.
Do not prune heavy framework branches into old leafless wood without active buds.
Do not apply broad-spectrum insecticides when catalpa sphinx caterpillars are present if supporting local songbirds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade tree for large residential yards or parksRain gardens or moist low-lying sitesWildlife habitat plantings

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Chionanthus virginicus Cornus florida Taxodium distichum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Southern Catalpa questions

What zones can Southern Catalpa grow in?

Southern Catalpa is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Southern Catalpa deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Southern Catalpa, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Southern Catalpa bloom?

Southern 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 Southern Catalpa need full sun?

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

Is Southern Catalpa drought tolerant?

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