Northern/Western Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
Northern/Western Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Big leaves shred in hail; brittle wood breaks in wind and heavy snow. Plant where summer storms are buffered and away from structures.
low to medium water40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Mark Wagner
- Photo 2: "Catalpa speciosa 20060624" by Mark Wagner is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 3: "IMG_7786 Catalpa Tree in Full Bloom (Catalpa speciosa?)" by carlfbagge is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "IMG_7745 Large Catalpa Tree in Full Bloom (Catalpa speciosa?)" by carlfbagge is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 5: (c) Amelia Tauber, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 6: "File:2014-06-12 10 43 09 Catalpa speciosa in flower along Nevada State Route 289 (Winnemucca Boulevard) near U.S. Route 95 (West Winnemucca Boulevard and Melarkey Street) in Winnemucca, Nevada-cropped.jpg" by Famartin is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer
- Bloom color
- white, yellow, purple
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: Short LivedFast but not forever; this one runs short lived here, so enjoy it and plan a successor rather than treating it as a legacy tree.
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Northern/Western Catalpa good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Northern/Western Catalpa is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Northern/Western Catalpa get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Northern/Western Catalpa need?
- Give Northern/Western Catalpa about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Northern/Western Catalpa grow into?
- Northern/Western Catalpa typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Northern/Western Catalpa hardy on the Front Range?
- Northern/Western Catalpa is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Northern/Western Catalpa need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Northern/Western Catalpa grow?
- Northern/Western Catalpa is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Northern/Western Catalpa live?
- Northern/Western Catalpa has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Northern/Western Catalpa native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Northern/Western Catalpa deer-resistant?
- Northern/Western Catalpa is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Northern/Western Catalpa prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Northern/Western Catalpa has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
