Western Catalpa
Western catalpa is a large shade tree with an open, irregular crown. It is grown for its clusters of white, fragrant flowers and enormous heart-shaped leaves.
In June, the long, showy panicles of bell-shaped flowers appear - white speckled with yellow and purple. The flowers develop into thin seedpods. Its bark is reddish-brown or grey and its leaves turn yellow in fall.
Western catalpa works best at lower elevations in the Colorado Springs area. It provides dense shade and has particularly fragrant flowers.
The leaves, however, may suffer from hailstorms and wind damage on exposed sites due to their large size.
Western Catalpa
Western catalpa is a large shade tree with an open, irregular crown. It is grown for its clusters of white, fragrant flowers and enormous heart-shaped leaves.
In June, the long, showy panicles of bell-shaped flowers appear - white speckled with yellow and purple. The flowers develop into thin seedpods. Its bark is reddish-brown or grey and its leaves turn yellow in fall.
Western catalpa works best at lower elevations in the Colorado Springs area. It provides dense shade and has particularly fragrant flowers.
The leaves, however, may suffer from hailstorms and wind damage on exposed sites due to their large size.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Catalpa speciosa
Pronunciation
kuh-TAL-puh spee-see-OH-suh
Mature Height
up to 50 ft.
Mature Spread
35 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
June
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
southern Illinois to Arkansas
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,500 ft.
Performance
If the space is available, Western catalpa can be a good choice for lower elevation areas of Colorado Springs. It provides dense shade and has particularly fragrant flowers. It works best for sites protected from regular wind, since the large leaves tatter easily.
There is not a western Catalpa growing at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden currently.
Maintenance
Prune when young to develop a structurally sound tree. The large seedpods drop from the tree after flowering and need to be raked up.