Catalpa speciosa
Northern Catalpa will catch your eye with its white trumpet-shaped flowers, large heart-shaped leaves, and long, slender seed pods. While its native range is further south, it has naturalized to the Northeast. Its wood is durable and rot resistant, and it was once commonly cultivated for fence posts, railroad ties and furniture. Northern Catalpaโs spring-blooming flowers are attractive to many pollinators, including hummingbirds. The leaves are the sole host to the Catalpa Sphinx Moth caterpillar.
Zone: 4-8 (Map)
Habitat: Tolerant of most habitats, but prefers moist soil.ย
Growth: 60 ft tall, 40 ft tall at maturity.