May 23, 2012

Garden Wednesdays: Catalpa Trees


 



I was just introduced to this amazing tree this weekend at our yard sale.  A gentleman came by and we talked about the plants I have in several of my Flower Gardens out front and he mentioned this tree to me.  After looking it up on the internet, I had to go and find one.  Come to find out we drive by several everyday.  

Simply amazing.  The Catalpa Tree ......
flowers look like mini Bearded Iris (which I talked about last week) and Orchids.  I picked one and it smelled so wonderful.  Reminded me of the Hawaiian Jasmine, Pikake.  Though not as strong.  

CATALPA SPECIOSA by ESOX LUCIUS
The Catalpa is an ornamental shade tree that is mostly seen in the South Eastern states. However they have been grown within zones 6-10.  These trees can grow to 60 ft tall.  I have also read that they have large green-and-yellow caterpillars in great numbers, the larvae of the Catalpa Sphinx moth, which only feeds on this tree. Some people actually use the caterpillars for a source of excellent fish bait.  Of course I will be going to get some of these for our fishing trips. ;-)

The flowers eventually turn into purple, then green, then brown narrow pods, up to a foot long. They may hang in the trees all winter. In the fall or the following spring, the pods release hundred of flat seeds. I will definitely be getting some of these pods to grow my own Catalpa Tree.    :-)

I hope you liked this edition of Garden Wednesdays.  Please leave me a comment on what you think?

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