Ironwood Tree vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Ironwood Tree vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Ostrya virginiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Ironwood Tree

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.

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa