Staghorn Sumac vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Staghorn Sumac vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Rhus typhina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Staghorn Sumac

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.

Staghorn Sumac is a popular ornamental shrub with red velvet like antlers that produce seeds that provide nice winter interest for landscapers and gardeners.

This low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any garden it is also used in shelterbelts.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Staghorn Sumac Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Flowers: small, green-yellow
Fruit: small, red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa
Other Names: stags horn sumach, velvet sumac