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Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides

Southern catalpa is a spreading shade tree with huge heart-shaped leaves and showy white bell flowers spotted purple and yellow, followed by long bean-like pods. Host to the catalpa sphinx moth.

Family
Bignoniaceae
Type
tree
Lifespan
perennial
Height
30–40 ft
Spacing
20–40 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
dry, moist
Soil pH
acidic, neutral
Bloom
May, June
Bloom colors
white
Wildlife value
pollinators, larval host
Landscape uses
specimen
Native states
AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IL, LA, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV