General Information
Status in Florida: Native (to parts of the Southeastern U.S., naturalized in other parts of FL)
Native Habitat: Riverbanks, moist woodlands, floodplains
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, SC, NC, TN, LA
Growing Zones: 5–9
Size at Maturity: 30–50 feet tall, 20–40 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Growth Habit: Upright, irregular, broad-spreading, woody
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Bloom Color: White with purple and yellow markings
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Adaptable – sand, loam, clay
Soil pH: Adaptable
Moisture Requirements: Average to moist
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, wildlife garden, naturalized areas, pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Prune to shape in youth; drops large seed pods and leaves, which may be considered messy in formal landscapes
Considerations: Hosts catalpa worms (sphinx moth caterpillars), which are prized bait for fishing; tree may be short-lived compared to other hardwoods
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No
Historical Medicinal Uses: Bark and seeds used in folk medicine for respiratory and skin issues; not commonly used today
Florida Native Companion Plant: Bald Cypress, Red Buckeye, Elderberry
Wildlife Benefit: Bees, butterflies, birds, moths (especially Ceratomia catalpae, catalpa sphinx)
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – Ceratomia catalpae (Catalpa Sphinx Moth)