Catalpa speciosa (Western Catalpa)

Catalpa speciosa (Western Catalpa)

caspf2.jpgcasph1.jpg 

Pronunciation: kuh-TAL-puh spee-see-OH-suh
Family: Bignoniaceae 
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Origin: USA
Zone: 5
……..
caspt1.jpgMature size
  Height: 15-22 m
  Spread: 10 - 15 m
Habit: irregular, open
Form: oval, vertical
Texture: coarse 
Exposure - full to part sun
Preferred soil - well drained 
Landscape uses - specimen plant 
……..
Leaves
Arrangement: simple, opposite, whorled
casph2.jpgShape: oblong, ovate
Size: 30-40cm
Margin: entire
Characteristics: soft flexible, pubescent, very large leaves, tomentose undersides, large heart shaped three lobed leaves
Colour: light green
………
Flowers
Inflorescence type: pannicle 
Colour: white, violet, oval
Size: clusters up to 30 cm diameter 
Time: June, July
………
Fruit type: Capsule
Colour: brown
Time: september, october 
………
Stem
Description: lightly fissured
Colour: grey
……..
Propagation - seed, cuttings
Comments - looks like a tree full of orchid blossoms in bloom, home to the catalpa caterpillar 

Pests - fungi, leaf spot, wilt

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