The catalpa tree plant bareroot (Catalpa spp.) is well-loved and recognized for its height, enormous heart-shaped leaves (up to 12 " long and 8" wide), twisted spreading branches, panicles of creamy white fragrant blossoms, and long dark brown seed pods. Though its tendency to spring up in odd places and grow rather quickly has earned it a reputation of being a bit of a "weed tree," plenty of folks love having this large graceful shade trees on their properties. They became popular at the turn of the century in the Northeast US and one often sees streets or cul-de-sacs named some variation "Catalpa Terrace" or "Catalpa Circle."

Also known as southern catalpa, hardy catalpa, western catalpa, northern catalpa, catawba, cigar tree and caterpillar tree, it is native to a wide-ranging area including North America, the Caribbean and East Asia. It's been cultivated throughout the US since the early 1800s. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for pollination