Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Southern Catalpa is typically 10″ to 12″ long and 5″ to 7″ wide. The leaf shape is usually cordate (heart-shaped) but can appear ovate as well. The margin is entire, and the venation is pinnate. The leaf arrangement can be opposite or whorled. The leaves have an unpleasant odor when damaged.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig of the Southern Catalpa can be green to reddish-brown. It lacks a terminal bud, but the lateral buds are small and covered with reddish-brown scales.
Bark Identification
The Southern Catalpa’s bark contain irregularly shallow fissures. With age, it gains reddish-brown scales.
Fruit Identification
The fruits of the Southern Catalpa are long and thin pod-like capsules. They are 8″ to 15″ long, and turn brown when mature. The seeds release when the pod splits open in the fall or winter.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Southern Catalpa form panicles. They are white with yellow stripes and speckled purple streaks. The flowers are bell-shaped with ruffled fringes along the petal margin. They bloom in spring.
Catalpa ID Tips
- The Southern Catalpa is smaller than the Northern Catalpa, and its capsules are slightly smaller as well, not reaching above 15″.
- The flowers of the Southern Catalpa are more vivid in color and clustered tighter than those of the Northern Catalpa.
- Perhaps most easily discerned, the Southern Catalpa has leaves which give off a bad odor when crushed, while the Northern Catalpa does not.