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Northern Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Alberto Salguero assumed (based on copyright claims). / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

480"–1200" H × 300"–600" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

MD

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Northern catalpa is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with broad heart-shaped leaves and showy white flower clusters in late spring. It produces long, thin seed pods that persist through winter and can create significant litter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Catalpa takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Drops large leaves, flowers, and long seed pods creating substantial litter
  • Fast growth can appear uncontrolled
  • Very large mature size may violate setback requirements

Wildlife value

Host plant for catalpa sphinx moth.

The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies in May and June. The large leaves provide habitat for catalpa sphinx moth caterpillars, which are prized as fishing bait.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Northern Catalpa fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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