// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Northern catalpa

Catalpa speciosa

Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–10a. Blooms Apr–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 35 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–10a
Mature size: —
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) — *Catalpa speciosa* — Northern catalpa. Photo by Mark Wagner via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–10a. Blooms Apr–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, northern catalpa pairs naturally with: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos).