Western Sand Cherry vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Western Sand Cherry vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Prunus pumila var. besseyi

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Western Sand Cherry

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.

Western Sand Cherry is known for its unique, leathery grey-green foliage and beautiful white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental shrub in parks and front yards. Both you and the wildlife will love its edible small dark red to purple cherries.

Due to its small stature and spreading qualities, Western Sandcherry is suitable as an underplanting or groundcover.

Many people graft plum and cherry varieties to Western Sand Cherry and use it as rootstock. It is also popular to graft hardy apricots to.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Western Sand Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: grey-green
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Berries: small purple cherries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON
Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa