Caterpillar tree (Catalpa bignonioides) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Caterpillar tree, better known as southern catalpa, is a large tree native to the Gulf Coast states. Its white flowers have yellow stripes and purple spots, and its long, dangling seed pods may remain through winter. Catalpa sphinx caterpillars feed on its leaves and can sometimes strip the tree of foliage.

Appearance

Growth form: A deciduous tree usually about 25–40 ft (8–12 m) tall. It grows in 5–9.
Leaves: Broad, heart-shaped leaves grow opposite each other or in groups of three. Crushed leaves have a strong, unpleasant smell.
Flowers: Many white flowers bloom together, each marked with yellow stripes and purple spots.
Flowering time: In the United States, flowering falls between May and July, depending on the area.
Fruit: The slender pods grow about 6–24 in (15–61 cm) long. They turn brown in fall and may hang on the tree through winter before releasing winged seeds.

Look-alikes

Northern catalpaCatalpa speciosa

Southern catalpa usually flowers later and has more purple spots inside its white flowers. Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) has fewer purple spots and thicker pod walls.

Princess treePaulownia tomentosa

Southern catalpa has white flowers and long, narrow pods. Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) has lavender to purple flowers and rounded woody seed capsules.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Stream banks
Low woods
Yards and streets
Range: Native to Gulf Coast states including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It has been planted and naturalized in many states east of the Rocky Mountains.
Flowering: Flowers May–Jul
Flowers May–Jul

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: 'Aurea' has yellow young leaves; 'Nana' is a compact, rounded form that rarely flowers.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: DDData DeficientNot enough data yet to assess

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The long pods give the tree another common name, cigar tree.

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