Scientific Family
Bignoniaceae
Synonyms
Catalpa catalpa
Other common names
Indian bean
common catalpa
catawba
bean-tree
cigar-tree
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Introduced
Similar species
Catalpa speciosa
Introduced fast-growing tree with broad, rounded or forked crown of spreading branches. Trunk generally not straight, up to 2 feet in diameter. Short, crooked branches form a broad, irregular crown. Its heart-shaped leaves have prominent veins.
Large stout-trunked tree with short crooked branches. Leaves heart-shaped, opposite, pointed at tips. Flowers bell-shaped, white with yellow and purplish-brown stripes and spots inside; in branched clusters to 9 inches long. Seed capsules to 14 inches.
Height
25 to 40 feet
Width
25 to 40 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Widely cultivated; escaped to roadsides, floodplains, canyons, and riparian habitats.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
5400
Leaves
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaf hairs
Bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Dull green above, paler green and hairy beneath; ovate to heart-shaped, pointed at tip; 5 to 10 inches long and 4 to 7 inches wide. 3 leaves per node, whorled or opposite. Foliage releases an unpleasant odor when crushed.
Flowers
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Bell-shaped
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
July
Has 2 very showy, yellow stripes and purplish-brown spots & stripes inside the flower. Has 5 rounded, unequal, fringed lobes to 1-1/2 inches long and wide, arranged in bell or tubular shape; branched upright clusters to 10 inches long; slightly fragrant.
Flower clusters
Other
Fruit
Fruit color
Green to brown
Fruit type
Capsule
Flattened seeds with 2 papery, fringed wings encased in a distinctive 6 to 12 inches long cigar-like or bean-like, narrow, cylindrical, thin-walled, capsule 5/16 to 3/8 inch in diameter. Seeds mature in autumn, capsule may remain attached over winter.