This deciduous tree has a short greyish trunk with ascending-spreading branches that form a dense rounded crown. It has large mid green heart-shaped leaves and the pinkish white bell-shaped flowers appear in a upright cluster from mid to late summer. 

Hardiness zones 5 to 10 

Catalpa bignonioides is naturally found in south east North America growing from Florida to Mississippi along the margins of water courses or around ponds and lakes. 

It prefers an open sunny wind protected position and grows in fertile deep moist but well drained soil ans is drought tender but frost tolerant.

The Indian Bean Tree is grown for its spreading habit and foliage. It is planted in parks and large gardens near water features or used for shade in lawn areas.  It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. The tree may be pollarded to form a screen in a shrub border and the cultivar 'Aurea' is used for foliage colour contrast. ID 3207

Catalpa (kuh-TAL-puh) bignonioides (BIG-noh-nee-OY-deez)

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