Maintenance Landscaping Design

Northern catalpa is a flowering plant that is native to North America. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers. The flowers are followed by long, bean-like fruits. The northern catalpa is a popular landscaping plant and is often used as a shade tree.

Popular name

• Indian Bean Tree
  
• Cigar Tree
  
• Hardwood
  
• Catalpa speciosa
  
• Northern Catalpa

Common Knowledge

• Northern catalpa is a hardy, deciduous tree that is native to North America.
  
• It is commonly found growing in river valleys and along streams.
  
• The tree can grow to be over 50 feet tall and has a spread of up to 30 feet.
  
• The leaves are large and heart-shaped with serrated edges. They are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall.
  
• The flowers are white and tubular-shaped with five petals. They bloom in the spring and are pollinated by bees.
  
• The fruits are brown, woody capsules that contain numerous seeds. They mature in the fall and are dispersed by birds.
  
• Northern catalpa is an important food source for many wildlife species including squirrels, rabbits, and birds.
  
• The tree is also used as a source of lumber and wood chips.
  
• Northern catalpa is considered to be an invasive species in some areas.
  
• The tree has a long lifespan and can live for over 100 years.

Related plant:
Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Planting Process

1. For northern catalpa, first step is to find a good location. It should be in full sun and have well-drained soil.
   
2. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the roots ball and just as deep.
   
3. Place the roots ball in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
4. Water the plant thoroughly.
   
5. Once the plant is established, water it deep once a week during the growing season.
   
6. Fertilize northern catalpa in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
7. Prune northern catalpa in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
   
8. Northern catalpa is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, so watch for these and take corrective action if needed.
   
9. Harvest the seed pods in fall after they turn brown.
   
10. Enjoy your northern catalpa!

Related plant:
Northern Bayberry

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, northern catalpa prefer deep, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, although they are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. They are not particular about soil type, and will grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are not too dry or compacted. Northern catalpa are generally pest and disease free, although they can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.

About light

So, like the other trees, the northern catalpa needs sunlight to grow. However, it can also tolerate shady areas. This makes it a good choice for planting under power lines or near buildings. It can also be used as a windbreak or privacy screen.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for northern catalpa trees is a bit cooler than what is best for southern catalpa trees. Northern catalpa trees do best in temperatures that are in the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Southern catalpa trees, on the other hand, prefer temperatures that are a bit warmer, in the range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, if you live in a region with a climate that is on the cooler side, then northern catalpa trees may be a better option for you.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. However, it can live in a range of 40-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and crispy. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is very important to the growth of the northern catalpa. The root system of the catalpa is very important to the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil. The catalpa has a very strong root system that can grip the soil tightly. This is important to the plant because it stabilizes the plant and helps it to resist wind damage.

Light requirement

Pruning a northern catalpa is important to maintaining the health and appearance of the tree. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. In addition, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, trim any branches that are growing in an undesirable direction.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically by seed, which is sown in the fall. The following spring, the seedlings are transplanted to their permanent locations. Catalpa speciosa can also be propagated through root cuttings taken from young trees in late winter before new growth begins.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first 10 years. Thereafter, growth slows and may even stop. Many northern catalpa trees reach only 30 to 40 feet (9-12 m) in height, although some may grow 60 feet (18 m) tall. The trunk is often crooked and the crown sparse.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars and aphids. Caterpillars will eat the leaves, while aphids will suck the sap from the plant. Both of these problems can be controlled with insecticide.

Growing Tips

• Remember to give your northern catalpa plant plenty of space to grow.
  
• Make sure that you provide plenty of water for your plant, especially during the hot summer months.
  
• Feed your plant with a high-quality fertilizer during the growing season.
  
• Pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to keep it looking tidy and promote new growth.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they occur.
  
• Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
  
• Protect your plant from strong winds and cold weather by mulching around the base.
  
• Overwinter your plant indoors in a cool, sunny location.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful flowers and unique foliage of your northern catalpa plant!

Related Plants

• Northern Catalpa Bignonia capreolata
  
• Southern Catalpa Catalpa bignonioides
  
• European Elm Tree Ulmus glabra
  
• Italian Elm Tree Ulmus carpinifolia
  
• Siberian Elm Tree Ulmus pumila
  
• Winged Elm Tree Ulmus alata
  
• Japanese Elm Tree Ulmus davidiana
  
• Chinese Elm Tree Ulmus parvifolia
  
• Slippery Elm Tree Ulmus rubra
  
• Rock Elm Tree Ulmus thomasii

Source:
Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) | Department of Horticulture
How to Identify a Northern Catalpa | Washington University Trees ...
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) | The UFOR Nursery & Lab