Southern catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides Walter

Family: Bignoniaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: NC State, RHS and UF/IFAS state no toxicity or poison information, and RHS shows no 'potentially harmful' line. That is silence, not an all-clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 5A-9A per UF/IFAS EDIS (genus sheet, Catalpa spp.)
Light: Full sun to part shade (NC State, UF/IFAS); RHS lists full sun.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US: 30-60 ft tall, 20-40 ft wide per NC State; UF/IFAS: C. bignonioides about 30-40 ft tall (genus sheet 30-60 ft tall, 20-50 ft spread, covering both US species); UK: RHS size class: higher than 12 m and wider than 8 m, 20-50 years to maturity
Where it comes from: Gulf States of the southeastern US (Florida to Texas, Georgia) per NC State; UF/IFAS: native to Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. RHS: SE USA. NC State: introduced into Central Europe and Spain; escaping or persisting after cultivation in North Carolina.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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