northern catalpa
Family
BignoniaceaeScientific Name
Catalpa speciosaOther Common Names:
catawba tree
Habit
The nothern catalpa tree is a deciduous tree that can grow to reach 40m tall.
Leaves
The leaves of northern catalpa tree are opposite and in some instances whorled. They are 1-3dm long and equally as wide. Leaves taper to a point and have smooth leaf margins.
Identifying Characteristics
The bark of the northern catalpa tree is brown and fissured. Younger branches have prominent white raised tissue.
Flower Seed Head
Panicles can reach 1-3dm long with the calyx being 6-9mm long. The flower petals are white with yellow lines and purple spots. Flowers are 4cm in diameter.
Seed Fruit
Seeds are flat and wing shaped 3-4cm long.
Where Found
Found along roadsides, low woodlands and waste places.
Growth Habit
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
not symmetrical
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
Varies:
opposite,
whorled
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Tree