European Mountain Ash vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

European Mountain Ash vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Sorbus aucuparia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
European Mountain Ash

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.

European Mountain Ash is an attractive, ornamental tree. This medium-sized tree produces tiny white-yellow flowers in the spring and decorative clusters of small red/orange berries in the summer. Its bitter fruit is often used to make Rowan Jelly, is a traditional garnish for wild game and venison. Ideal for residential lots, European Mountain Ash will attracts birds to your property.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

European Mountain Ash Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: small white flowers in clusters
Berries: bunches of berries
Seeds: located within the fruit
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa
Other Names: quickbeam, rowan