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Serbian Spruce vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Picea omorika
Catalpa speciosa
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Serbian Spruce is a medium-sized evergreen. Even in the absence of competition, Serbian Spruce has a slender form.
It is commonly used as an ornamental tree due to its columnar shape. Serbian Spruce can grow on a variety of sites, but it prefers moist drained soils.
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.
Serbian Spruce Quick Facts
Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts
In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)