Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides

Overview

The Southern Catalpa is a medium size tree, growing to maximum heights of roughly 40 feet. Known for its massive heart shaped leaves and seed pods that are can be nearly two feet long, this tree grows at a moderate rate. It is usually planted in parks and large yards, but they are very capable to adapt to more commercial areas. 

Cultivation

Full sun and moist, well-drained soil is not a must but recommended for the Southern Catalpa. They can tolerate both too wet and dry sites, as well as alkali soil. The branches are prone to falling off in stormy conditions and the fruit and flowers make for a decent mess, but the tree itself is very adaptable to almost any adverse condition. 

Biodiversity Sustained

This tree, due to its white clusters of flowers, is a common place to find pollinators. But not many larger creatures, as the branches are not the strongest and can commonly fall off, as stated before. 

On Xavier's Campus, over the Next Decade, this Tree will:

Stormwater Runoff Intercepted:  gallons

CO2 Reduction:  lbs

Electricity Savings:  kilowatt/hours

Environmental Benefits (in US dollars) Over the Next Decade: $