Southern Catalpa, Caterpillar Tree

Heat Tolerance: Good

Sun Exposure: Full sun, intolerant of shade

Origin: Southeastern U.S.

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, up to 50 feet tall (15 m), leaves 5 to 8 inches long (12-20 cm), sometimes tri-lobed, particularly when young, soft pubescence on the underside, recognizable odor when crushed

Watering Needs: Little water

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in late spring or summer, budding or grafting in the fall or winter

Propagation: Seed

• by seeds, in spring. Germinates at 70-85 degrees F. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. No pre-treatment is needed. The usual germination temperature is 70-85 degrees F.

USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth, TX.

This Catalpa is the host plant for the catawba worms, caterpillars that are popular fishing bait.

Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth, TX.

Blooming Habits:
Very showy, tubular flowers, up to 0.4 inch broad (2 cm) in terminal panicle, in May - June. The corolla is white outside, purple and yellow spotted inside. The fruit is an elongate "cigarlike" or "beanlike" capsule, up to 14 inches long (35cm), 0.4 inch in diameter (1cm). The seeds are flattened, with coma.