Catalpa speciosa - catalpa (Forest honeycomb)

Medium-sized deciduous tree; it has a short, highly branched trunk and a generally broad, rounded crown; the bark is green-brown, dark, wrinkled; it grows quite quickly and is very long-lived; very old specimens can reach 8-12 m in height. It has very large leaves, 20-25 cm in diameter, light green on the upper surface, lighter and slightly pubescent on the lower surface, heart-shaped, wrinkled, with a long petiole, very similar to those of Paulownia, with which it is often confused. In late spring it produces numerous erect inflorescences, composed of bell-shaped flowers, white, with orange dots and red streaks, intensely scented; at the end of summer it produces long pod-like fruits, containing numerous seeds, which remain on the plant throughout the autumn and for much of the winter.

Pedoclimatic requirements

It prefers deep, rich and well-drained soil; it loves bright and sunny positions, but it also grows without problems in partial shade or complete shade; catalpas do not fear the cold and generally tolerate even the most rigid or windy winters well.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Catalpa speciosa

Family: Bignoniaceae