Catalpa, Northern Catalpa, Cigar Tree, Indian Bean Tree
Catalpa speciosa · Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Cordate (heart-shaped) with an acuminate apex
Margin
Entire (smooth) and somewhat wavy
Arrangement
Whorled (typically in whorls of three) or opposite
Venation
Palmate venation emerging from the base, transitioning into pinnate venation along the prominent central midrib with reticulate minor veins
Key Features
Enormous heart-shaped leaves arranged in whorls of three, distinctive long cigar-like seed pods, and showy, bell-shaped white flowers
Description
Northern Catalpa is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its exceptionally large, heart-shaped leaves, showy orchid-like white flowers with purple and yellow spots, and long, slender bean-like seed pods that persist through winter. The tree has a rounded, irregular crown and furrowed, scaly gray-brown bark.
Habitat
River floodplains, stream banks, and moist deciduous forests; thrives in rich, moist soils and full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to the Midwestern United States, particularly the Mississippi River basin, but widely planted as an ornamental and shade tree across North America and Europe