Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides
Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) (Catalpa bignonioides) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to South-eastern United States. It grows 10–15 m (33–49 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: roots, pods and seeds
Roots and seeds are reported as mildly toxic; not a common poisoning risk.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Indian bean tree (southern catalpa)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Indian bean tree (southern catalpa)
- How far apart should I plant Indian bean tree (southern catalpa)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Indian bean tree (southern catalpa)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) flower?
- From about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Roots and seeds are reported as mildly toxic; not a common poisoning risk.
- What grows well with Indian bean tree (southern catalpa)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Indian bean tree (southern catalpa). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Huge heart-shaped leaves, frothy white orchid-like flowers in midsummer and long dangling “bean” pods. Leafs out late in spring.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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