This deciduous tree has spreading branches that form a dense broad crown. It has large heart-shaped dark green leaves and the bell-shaped flowers are white with yellow and purple markings and appear in clusters during mid-summer, followed by pods. 

Hardiness zones 4 to 10 

Catalpa speciosa is naturally found in North America growing in the central Mississippi Basin on the valley floors and the adjoining hillsides in rich well-drained moist alluvial soils. It prefers an open sunny position and tolerates hot dry conditions and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Northern Catalpa is grown for its dense crown and sprays of flowers. It is planted in parks or large gardens as a specimen tree or for summer shade or grown along watercourses. It establishing in 3 to 5 years and is suitable for inland regions. ID 1575

Catalpa (kuh-TAL-puh) speciosa (spee-see-OH-suh)

Bignoniaceae (BIG-non-AY-see-ee)