Catalpa bignonioides

Description

From the south eastern United States comes this magnificent medium to large tree which is very good as an urban subject but not in paved areas.

This species was introduced in 1726 this eye catching tree won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and there are fine specimens in Palace Yard Westminster.

It is late into leaf and produces exotic orchid-like flowers in midsummer. These are followed by the “beans” which look like dark vanilla pods in autumn.

Outstanding as a specimen tree and tolerant of air pollution.

It does well on most soils but avoid windy exposed sites as the large fleshy leaves can bruise.

The top worked clone, ‘Bungeii’ forms a rounded and dense canopy but is too similar in leaf and flower to merit its own listing.

Mature height: 7-12m

Mature spread: 5-8m