Northern catalpa

Scientific name: Catalpa speciosa

Estimated tree age: 178 years old

Native to Mississippi, the northern catalpa has been cultivated in Ohio for over 200 years. The tree was originally introduced to produce lightweight timber for fencing, owing to the wood’s resistance to rotting. In urban settings, the tree tends to drop fruits in excess, potentially making the tree difficult to clean up around.  In addition, the tree tends to grow over its intended area and has brittle wood, making it more easily subject to wind or ice damage. The tree is generally planted as an ornamental shade tree, but has the unfortunate side effect that it can grow too big for its space, depriving sunlight from other plants.

Photo from Grandview Heights TreePlotter

The leaves of the northern catalpa are typically whorled - with three or more leaves growing from the same point in the stem.

Photo from OPLIN's What Tree is It?

The catalpa sphinx moth is the most frequent consumer of the northern catalpa's leaves - sometimes in such excess that the tree is left bare.

Photo from OPLIN's What Tree is It?