Catalpa bignonioides is a deciduous tree belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. It is known for its striking presence in gardens and parks, thanks to its broad, globular canopy that can reach heights between 10 and 15 meters.

The trunk, usually straight, has a gray bark that is smooth in young specimens, but with age it becomes fissured, forming longitudinal plates.

The leaves of Catalpa bignonioides are large, simple, and heart-shaped or ovate, with entire margins. During the summer, they are a bright green, later turning yellow in the fall, providing a pleasant color contrast

Its flowering occurs in late spring or early summer, between May and June. The flowers, grouped in large panicles, are very showy: they have a trumpet-shaped corolla in cream-white with yellow and purple spots inside, and emit a delicate and pleasant fragrance.

From the flowers, the fruits develop, which are long, cylindrical capsules resembling pods. These fruits mature in the fall and contain numerous winged seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind, aiding the natural propagation of the plant.

Catalpa bignonioides prefers fertile, deep, and well-drained soils with good moisture, and can also tolerate calcareous or clayey soils. It thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations and adapts well to temperate climates, showing good resistance to both moderate cold and periods of drought.

Thanks to these characteristics, Catalpa bignonioides is often used as an ornamental plant in cities and parks for its ability to provide shade, its decorative flowering, and its attractive foliage, making it highly appreciated for its adaptability and ease of cultivation.

→ Also discover the Catalpa Bungei variety, with a globular and compact canopy.