Northern catalpa

Catalpa speciosa Warder ex Teas

Family: BignoniaceaeZones: 4a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: 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: the NC State page carries no poisonous or 'problem for' tags (its only problem tag is 'weak wood'). 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.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Catalpa speciosa, not on the common name.. Look-alike trap: northern catalpa (C. speciosa) and southern catalpa (C. bignonioides) are two different species. NC State separates them by foliage odor, how the lower flower lobe is cut, spotting, and seed wings. 'Cigar tree' is used for both (NC State lists it under C. speciosa). Check by scientific name.

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.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: NC State: full sun to partial shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State's figures only: 40-70 ft tall, 8-16 ft wide in the attribute table (the description calls it medium to large with a rounded crown)

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.

Get the app: coming soon