Northern Catalpa

Common Names

Hardy Catalpa Western Catalpa Cigar Tree Catawba-tree Caterpillar Tree Worm Tree Bait Tree Indian Bean Tree Bois Chavanon

Scientific Names

Catalpa speciosa Bignoniaceae family

History of
the Tree Species

Native to the midwestern U.S. Found in forests from southern Illinois and Indiana to western TN and AR First cultivated in 1754 Wood used for fence posts and railroad ties for fast growth rate and resistance to rot

Scientific Facts

Producers cluster of large, showy, fragrant, trumpet-like white flowers in spring Sought out by fishers for a common parasite that works well as bait (e.g., the catalpa moth caterpillar) No known edible uses Roots highly poisonous Various medicinal teas made from bark, seeds, and pods, addressing different ailments