Other Names: Northern Catawba Tree, Cigar Tree, Indian Bean Tree

A North American native tree of great beauty, the Northern Catalpa, sometimes called "catawba tree," is adored by gardeners for both its foliage and showy flowers, and by fishermen for the caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth that visit the tree and are collected for use as great fishing bait. Fresh or frozen, due to their tough skin, one catalpa worm can be used to catch several fish. Birds, including turkeys, will feast on the worms. In late spring to early summer, abundant clusters of exotic-looking, fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers with purple and yellow markings in their throats adorn the tree. Very broad, heart-shaped, bright green leaves up to 10 inches long and 6 to 8 inches wide provide a lush, tropical look and feel in the landscape. An exceptionally adaptable tree, the Northern Catalpa thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline, and tolerates both occasionally moist and dry environments. It withstands cold temperatures down to -30°F and can withstand heat in Zone 8b, with no serious pest or disease problems.

The flowers of Catalpa are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for pollination, and this tree is the sole host for the catalpa sphinx moth. With dense foliage and large leaves, the catalpa provides excellent cover and shelter for a wide variety of song birds and wildlife.