// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Southern catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides

Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 16'–40'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 36 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 16'–40'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) — *Catalpa bignonioides* — Southern catalpa. Photo by Le.Loup.Gris via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 16'–40'. Blooms May–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, southern catalpa pairs naturally with: Box elder (Acer negundo), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. interius), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. negundo), Box elder (Acer negundo var. violaceum).