View Larger Southern Catalpa

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Bowling Green Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Bowling Green
  • Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Hardiness Zones

    5 5 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b 9 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 5 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    This native plant is a medium deciduous tree with large white flowers in the spring and striking cigar-like seedpods in the fall. It features large heart-shaped leaves.

    Latin Name

    Catalpa bignonioides


    Family

    Bignoniaceae


    Also Known As

    Cigartree , Indian-bean-tree


    Type of Plant

    Trees Trees

    Bloom Season

    May - June


    Seasons

    Spring Spring

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 60'
    Max spread Max Spread: 40'

    Uses

  • Shade Tree
  • Rain Garden

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Drought
  • Deer
  • Wet Soil

  • Colors


    Native Range

    Southeastern United States


    History

    George Washington planted two catalpas west of the garden houses in March of 1785.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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