THE LEAFLET
Are Catalpas the Tree of the Summer?
A Northern Catalpa with blooming flowers.
As summer begins to sweep in, one tree stands out for its captivating late-blooming flowers—the Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa). Known for its resilience and striking features, this native species has captured the admiration of arborists and nature enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into what makes the Northern Catalpa a wonderful summer tree, with insights from Dana Gresham, one of our urban foresters.
Northern Catalpa Flowers
“Some of the more immediate rockstar traits are aesthetic,” says Dana. The Northern Catalpa is a visual delight, boasting large, heart-shaped leaves that provide ample shade. However, its true beauty lies in its blossoms. The tree produces gorgeous, fragrant flowers that are not only pleasing to the eye but also to the nose. These flowers are part of the begonia family, featuring a cool trumpet shape that attracts hummingbirds!
The seed pods of a Northern Catalpa.
One of Catalpa’s most distinctive features, earning it the nickname of “cigar tree” is its long seed pods. Not only do the pods provide valuable nutrients to local wildlife but can also prove useful to the resourceful homeowner. Dana points out, “The long seed pods are a great source of kindling for a backyard fire.”
Moreover, its adaptability to different soil conditions is particularly beneficial for areas like Washington, DC. “With a bit of love (summer watering) you get a meter plus of new growth each year,” Dana notes. This rapid growth rate ensures that the tree quickly becomes a significant presence in your yard, providing shade and beauty.
The Northern Catalpa plays a crucial role in local ecosystems. Additionally, the tree’s resilience and ability to grow in disturbed soils help stabilize these areas and prevent erosion.
The tree is a summer superstar. Its flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, while its large leaves shade for all who choose to sit beneath. Its aesthetic appeal, ecological contributions, and resilience make it a valuable addition to any landscape. As Dana so eloquently puts it, “It can handle a range of soil conditions which is great in DC. And frankly, it just looks like something out of Jurassic Park, and that charms the heck out of me.”
Interested in getting a Northern Catalpa added to your greenspace? We plant this species for FREE through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.