Discover the charm and resilience of Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides), a remarkable medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, extending from the Gulf States including Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Admired for its irregularly shaped canopy and enchanting white flowers with purple and yellow accents, this tree blooms in early summer, adding vibrancy to any garden space. Despite its delicate appearance, the Southern Catalpa thrives in a variety of challenging conditions—tolerating both wet and dry soils, clay, and even seasonal flooding. It prefers full sun to part shade and grows efficiently in well-drained, fertile loams, making it an excellent choice for rain and butterfly gardens or as a striking shade tree.
This distinguished member of the Bignoniaceae family is not only an appealing ornamental tree but also ecologically valuable, serving as a host to the catalpa sphinx moth and tersa sphinx, which are crucial for local wildlife. Its long, unique seed pods, reminiscent of cigars, dangle gracefully from its branches, contributing to its common name, "cigar tree." While its fragrance is pleasant, note that its foliage emits an odor when crushed. With a height of 30-60 feet and a spread of 20-40 feet, Southern Catalpa is a standout addition to any landscape, offering shade and natural beauty with minimal maintenance.