Catalpa bignonioides | Indian Bean Tree | Southern Catalpa
Native to south and eastern America, the Catalpa bignonioides was introduced to the UK in 1726. This is a beautiful, ornamental tree with showy flowers in summer. It is a wide and spreading, well-branched tree with a rounded crown. The large, bright green, heart-shaped leaves appear in June then turn yellow before falling in early autumn. Orchid-like flowers cover the whole tree in clusters from mid-July, followed in autumn by 20-40cm long dark bean pods. Winged seeds inside the pods stay on the tree throughout Winter. The Catalpa bignonioides will thrive in most well-drained soil but doesn't like wet ground, and it prefers full sun and shelter from wind that can damage the large leaves. This is an excellent specimen tree that will add colour and interest to any garden or parkland.