Catalpa is a fast growing tree native to the United States. They can grow upwards of 40 to 60 feet tall and make a good shade tree. It flowers where I live in late June - beautiful white flowers which make a mess for the homeowner who has to clean them up. If you have to cut one down, they make (I understand) good lumber.
My guess is this species is the Northern catalpa, Catalpa speciosa.
After they bloom, they grow long "beans", which can be upwards of 20 inches (50 cm) long. And guess what - in winter these beans are shed. Time for another cleanup. You'll be cleaning for a long time, too, as these trees can live as long as 150 years.
I've read that the early pioneers used the beans medicinally. They are not food.
If you think that means I don't love these trees, you would be wrong. Such beauty. The blooms are peaking now, and brighten up both urban streets and roadways. Our walking rail trail even has a couple.
Joining Parul and other tree loving bloggers each second and fourth Thursday of the month with #ThursdayTreeLove.
The cleanup is worth it. I don’t mind the acorns, I love our oak trees.
ReplyDeleteI bet those flowers are as bad as the purple flowers we have all over the place from the jacarandas.
ReplyDeleteJacarandas are so beautiful, and so messy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beauty! The flowers are quite unique! One that seems to demand 'followers' all year round :-)
ReplyDeleteI can see what you mean, Alana. These are pretty but it's quite a lot of work maintaining them throughout the year. Very pretty flowers though, so worth having I guess!
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty and even though they need cleaning up, they provide shade and flowers. 150 years is a good life.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you joined and shared these.
Good Info Alana. I see them here in Colorado as well.
ReplyDelete