northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

First place champion catalpa in Loveland.

Species info:

Leaves: Large, simple, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, opposite or whorled, with entire margins. 8–12 inches long and 5–8 inches wide, with long petioles.

Leaflets: N/A (simple leaves)

Leaf Surface: Medium green, smooth above, slightly fuzzy beneath.

Bark: Brown, developing deep ridges and furrows with age.

Buds: Terminal bud absent; lateral buds small, hemispherical, located above large oval leaf scars with distinct bundle scars.

Flowers: Large, showy, white with yellow and purple markings inside the throat. Bell-shaped, borne in upright clusters in late May–June.

Fruit: Long, slender, bean-like seed pods (10–20 inches) that persist through winter; can be considered messy.

Botanical: Catalpa speciosa

Family: Bigoniaceae

Mature Height: 40–60 feet

Canopy Spread: 20–40 feet

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Fruit: Not edible

Flower: Showy flowers in summer.

Tree Shape: Upright, coarse, irregular or asymmetrical crown giving strong character

Growth Rate: Medium to fast; terminal shoots can grow up to 3 feet per year once established

Fall Color: Yellow-green, often not showy

Water Use: Moderate; adaptable to a variety of moisture conditions

Hardiness: Zones 4–8

Soil Preference: Adapts to a wide range of soils and climates; tolerant of clay and alkaline soils

Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and pollinators; seed pods feed wildlife and provide cover

Pests/Pathogens: Generally few problems; mildew and leaf spot occasionally occur

Colorado Suitability: Performs well in a range of Colorado soils; recommended for most sites; avoid planting in high-snow-load areas or narrow sites due to branch breakage potential

Information Sources:

• Michael A. Dirr. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press. 2011