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Korean Pine vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Pinus koraiensis
Catalpa speciosa
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
(new stock expected: fall of 2026)
Korean Pine is an attractive conifer suitable for shelterbelts, privacy screens, and ornamental planting. This tree is especially prized for its pine nuts. Korean Pine nuts are larger than most other species. They can be used in salads, pesto sauce, and other foods.
This conifer is generally tolerant of urban conditions but much prefers cool summer climates.
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.