Catalpa bignonioides

Catalpa bignonioides, or the Common Catalpa, is a medium-sized tree with a very spread-out, rounded and dense habit. It provides a good shelter from the sun in summer.  It has large light green leaves with a somewhat tropical appearance, which serve as a backdrop for its beautiful white flowers in summer and its astonishing bean-like fruit pods. This deciduous tree with no specific requirements is perfect for shading a terrace or a play area, allowing the sunshine through from October until the beginning of May.

Catalpa bignonioides, also known as the Bean Tree or Common Catalpa, is a beautiful tree from the Bignoniaceae family: it is a cousin of beautiful climbers like Campsis, Bignonia, Podranea, and other Tecomaria. Originating from the southeastern United States, it was introduced to Europe in 1726. It is a light-demanding species that appreciates moist soils, tolerates limestone, and is highly resistant to urban pollution. It exhibits rapid growth, dense and branching vegetation, and remarkably large leaves. At the age of 10, this tree will measure between 8 and 15 metres (26 feet 2 inches and 49 feet 2 inches) in height and develop a wide crown of 10 to 15 metres. Its bark is grey-brown and slightly channelled, peeling off over time in small flakes. Its branches are brittle, so it is necessary to protect it from strong winds. Its foliage is deciduous, appearing late in spring and falling quickly in autumn. Its leaves have an elongated heart shape, starting off medium green in spring and summer, then turning yellow in autumn. In July, it produces beautiful clusters of white flowers, highly appreciated by pollinating insects. These are followed by long pods, 20 to 50 cm (7.9 to 19.7 in) in length, green and then brown when ripe. Its shallow root system does not tolerate drought and makes it vulnerable to strong winds. This Catalpa benefits from severe pruning every 2 or 3 years to maintain a dense habit. 

The Common Catalpa is suitable for medium to large gardens, but it is not recommended for excessively windy locations. Well-suited for urban environments, it can blend in perfectly in a city garden, either as a standalone shade tree or in combination with the Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera', which is better adapted to dry soils.