The Average Northern Catalpa Tree Growing Range

Common Names

• Since this tree's wood resists rot, it was used for railroad ties and to build fences in the 18th century, eventually collecting a variety of common names in various parts of its growing range. In addition to cigar tree, northern catalpa sometimes is called Catawba tree, caterpillar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa and Indian bean tree.

Climate and Growth

• The native growing range of the northern catalpa includes a wide range of medium to wet soil. It grows naturally in low and upland forests, and at the base of bluffs. Although it prefers moist, fertile loam, it will tolerate dry soil. Northern catalpa will grow in partial shade to full sun and is considered a medium to fast grower, meaning it will grow from 12 to 25 or more inches a year, achieving heights of 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 20 to 50 feet. It grows about 18 inches a year when it is young and then slows down, requiring seven years to yield blossoms. It lives for about 60 years, considered moderate for shade trees.

Messiness

• Northern catalpa can be grown in urban areas. It has attractive, dark green leaves that are good for shade and yields beautiful, creamy white flowers in the spring. It also is a notoriously messy tree, shedding seed pods, twigs, slippery flowers and other debris on sidewalks or whatever else might be under it.You should not plant it near a swimming pool or patio. High winds and ice can snap its brittle limbs, adding even more litter.

Invasiveness and Insects

• Northern catalpa is considered invasive in some places outside of its native growing range. You may see it growing weedy in neglected and abandoned urban areas. Check your local agricultural extension to see if it is listed as invasive in your area. Anglers collect the larva or caterpillar of the Catalpa sphinx moth for fish bait, but these larvae can strip the tree of its leaves.