Chinese catalpa
(Catalpa ovata)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Overview
Appearance
Catalpa ovata is a wide crowned deciduous tree that grow up to 50 ft. (15 m) tall. Young stems may be slightly hairy.
Foliage
Leaves are opposite or whorled on the stem and up to 10 in. (25cm) wide by 10 in. (25cm) long. Leaves may be slightly hairy to smooth. Margins are smooth although 3-5 triangular lobes can be seen on some leaves. The base is often indented where it joins the petiole, giving the leaf a heart shaped appearance.
Flowers
Showy pale yellow to yellow flowers with a purple spotted throat are held in loose clusters. Edges of flower petals have a frilly appearance.
Fruit
Fruits are long slender bean-like pods that are 8-16 in. (20–40 cm) long.
Ecological Threat
C. ovata prefers average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions including both wet and dry soils. Tolerant of seasonal flooding. Prefers moist fertile loams.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
Invasive Listing Sources
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- Reichard, Sarah. 1994. Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Lamiales |
| Family: Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: Catalpa |
| Catalpa ovata |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.