northern catalpa

Also known as Hardy Catalpa, Western Catalpa, Cigar Tree, Catawba

Northern catalpas command attention with giant heart-shaped leaves and springtime clusters of trumpet-shaped white flowers patterned with purple spots and yellow stripes. Dangling bean-like seed pods persist on branches throughout winter, earning the species its popular nickname of cigar tree. Highly adaptable to floodplains and urban soils alike, these fast-growing shade trees provide critical canopy shelter and host specialized caterpillars.