This small deciduous tree has an upright trunk with grey bark and slender spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has pale green sometimes lobed broad ovate leaves and the yellow-white bell-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during late summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9 

Catalpa ovata is naturally found in China growing in moist well drained fertile soils in a protected sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Yellow Catalpa is grown for its large leaves and habit. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen for summer shade. It establishes in 2 to 4 years and is suitable for coastal or inland gardens. It is full hardy when mature but young plants require some protection in very cold weather and it may be difficult to obtain but is normally found in botanical collections. ID 1631

Catalpa (kuh-TAL-puh) ovata (oh-VAY-tuh)

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