Also known as Japanese Catalpa · Yellow Bean Tree · Yellow Catalpa
Chinese catalpa (Catalpa ovata) is a deciduous tree with attractive foliage and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, making it a distinctive ornamental.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established.
Low
25% intensity
Established trees require little to no fertilizer. Feed young trees annually in spring if growth is slow.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Generally considered non-toxic, though ingestion of large quantities of seeds or pods might cause mild stomach upset.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Chinese catalpa prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Water deeply when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune Chinese catalpa in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be used to shape the tree and maintain its desired size and form.
Avoid heavy pruning in summer.
Chinese catalpa can be propagated from seeds sown in autumn or stratified seeds sown in spring.
It can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer and treated with rooting hormone, or from root cuttings taken in winter. Grafting is another effective method.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established outdoor trees. For container-grown Chinese catalpa, repot every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins.
Choose a pot that is one size larger and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinese Catalpa (Catalpa ovata)
Where Chinese Catalpa (Catalpa ovata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Catalpa |
| Species | Catalpa ovata |
Similar in genus Catalpa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
