Catalpas are a family of mainly deciduous trees of the United States, the West Indes and Asia. The two North American species, Southern Catalpa (
Catalpa bignonioides), and Northern Catalpa (
Catalpa speciosa) have been widely planted outside their natural ranges as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The Japanese Catalpa (
Catalpa ovata) has also been introduced to North America for ornamental purposes.
Catalpas can be recognized by their large heart-shaped leaves and in the autumn by their long bean-like fruits. Catalpas grow to 9-18 meters tall, and because of their small size are rarely used comercially.
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