18. Catalpa bignonioides, Southern Catalpa

 

Catalpa bignonioides, Southern catalpa in spring bloom

Catalpa bignonioides, pods both immature and mature, with seeds

Cordate shaped Catalpa leaf

 

18. Southern Catalpa, Catalpa bignonioides

Artist’s Note:

An interesting tree both for its flowers and seed pods. Catalpa blooms profusely in May, with a large panicle of white ruffled, short tubular flowers. Inside each bloom, yellow and purple spots guide bees to its nectar. Held high above its whorled large pillowy heart shaped leaves, the flower head is spectacularly showy. As the flowers fade, they evolve into the most interesting siliques (seedpods). At maturity, hanging in groups like chandeliers, the siliques—brown and more than a foot long—resemble skinny cigars. Inside the pod, winged seeds are clustered and arranged in soft cushions of fibers. Mother nature seems to have worked hard at making sure these babies are snug in their beds. 

A tall tree planted near the fountain, this specimen creates interest year-round. It is lush in the spring with large leaves and flowers; through the fall into winter, its branch structure and hanging seed pods lure viewers. It was one of my favorites to explore and observe as I drew throughout its yearly cycle.  

Vulgo: Southern Catalpa,

 

Name: Catalpa bignonioides

 

Family: Bignoniaceae

Habit: Tree 

Height: 40 ft (12 M)

Native to: Southern United States

 

Leaf type: Simple

 

Shape: Cordate

 

Tip: Acute

 

Margin: Entire

 

Venation: Palmate

 

Surface: Pillowy 

 

Size: 7–9 in (21–25 cm) 

 

Arrangement: Opposite whorled

Pen and ink: Amber R Turner © 2020