Also known as American Catalpa · Black Spleenwort · Catalpa
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its large heart-shaped leaves and showy, fragrant white flowers in summer.
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 but well-drained. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Tolerates a range of temperatures once established.
Low
25% intensity
Benefit from a balanced fertilizer in spring. Generally not heavy feeders.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Leaves, flowers, and seed pods are mildly toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Southern catalpa prefers consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply and regularly during dry periods to maintain a moist, but not waterlogged, soil.
Reduce watering frequency once the tree is established, but avoid prolonged drought.
Prune Catalpa bignonioides to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. It responds well to heavy pruning, which can encourage larger leaves.
Ideal times for pruning are late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Catalpa bignonioides can be propagated by seeds sown in autumn or stratified, or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Layering is also an option. Seeds may require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy.
Young trees may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years to refresh soil and provide more space. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
Established trees are best left in place or transplanted carefully to avoid root disturbance.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Catalpa |
| Species | Catalpa bignonioides |
Similar in genus Catalpa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
