Engelmann Spruce vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Engelmann Spruce is a tall, cold resistant tree native to western North America. This high-altitude mountain tree has characteristic loose, scaly bark ranging in colour from reddish-brown to grey.

Birds such as grouse, woodpeckers, nuthatches and thrushes will call this tree home. As Engelmann Spruce can exceed heights of 100 feet, consumers should note it is too large for a normal city 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.

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