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Little Leaf Linden vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Tilia cordata
Catalpa speciosa
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Little Leaf Linden is a large, deciduous shade tree that is native to Europe. The leaves are heart shaped with fine teeth on the margins. It has much smaller leaves than Large Leaf Linden.
Its small, fragrant yellow-green flowers are said to have medicinal properties and can also be used to make honey. Little leaf Linden is a great choice for a boulevard or large lot.
Northern Catalpa is a striking feature tree with showy flowers, and very large leaves. Its orchid-like flowers are white with yellow and purple accents, and they have a pleasant fragrance. They bloom from late spring to early summer and can last up to two weeks, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. The leaves are very large, ranging from 15-30 cm long, 12-20 cm wide, forming a canopy that makes it a good shade tree.
They can tolerate dry conditions as well as standing water, air pollution, and salt. These factors and its beauty contribute to its growing popularity as both a boulevard and ornamental tree in colder areas.
Northern Catalpa produces long bean-like capsules and are sometimes called the Cigar Tree in reference to this fruit.