Purple Catalpa Tree – 7 Gallon Pot (6-7′)

Other Names: Northern Catawba Tree, Cigar Tree, Bean Tree, Indian Bean Tree

Catalpa x erubescens ‘Purpurea’, commonly known as the Purple Catalpa Tree, is a fascinating hybrid of our North American native species and an Asian species. What makes it so distinctive and strikingly beautiful is that its leaves emerge dark blackish-purple, maturing to lime green. Cooler temperatures in the fall bring vivid shades of golden yellow. The leaves are large, broad, and heart-shaped, lending a lush, tropical appearance and feel to the landscape. In summer, abundant clusters of exotic-looking, fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers with purple and yellow markings in their throats adorn the tree. An exceptionally adaptable tree, the Purple Catalpa thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline, and tolerates both occasionally moist and dry environments. It withstands cold temperatures down to -20°F and can withstand heat in Zone 9b, with no serious pest or disease problems.

Fishermen love catalpa trees for the caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth, which visit the tree and are collected for use as excellent fishing bait. Fresh or frozen, due to their tough skin, one catalpa worm can be used to catch several fish. Birds, including turkeys, will feast on the worms.   

The flowers of Catalpa are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for pollination, and this tree is the sole host for the catalpa sphinx moth. With dense foliage and large leaves, the catalpa provides excellent cover and shelter for a wide variety of song birds and wildlife.