Chinese Catalpa

Catalpa ovata

Tree10×1 mzone 5–9full sun

Profile

Family: Bignoniaceae
Habit: Tree
Height: 10 m
Spread: 1 m
Growth: very fast
Lifespan: 60 years
First yield: after 8 years
Hardiness: zone 5–9
Shade tolerance: full sun
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: semi-dry – very wet
pH: 5.3 – 8.6
Synonyms: Chinese Catalpa, Yellow Catalpa

scented

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Fruit harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible1 of 10

Medicinal3 of 10

Other uses5 of 10

Growing

Catalpa ovata prefers moist, loamy soil rich in organic matter but tolerates drier, less fertile sites. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during establishment and maintain moderate moisture. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including wet and dry soils. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Propagation is by seed sown in spring or softwood cuttings in summer.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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