Kentucky Coffeetree vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Kentucky Coffeetree vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Gymnocladus dioicus

Catalpa speciosa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Kentucky Coffeetree
Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

The Kentucky Coffeetree has the largest leaves of any native tree in North America! In the summer, its large green canopy provides shade. While in the winter, its leathery bean pods act as a decorative element against the sky as they rattle in the wind. Beautiful year-round, this tree is an elegant addition to any landscape.

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.

Kentucky Coffeetree Quick Facts

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 21 m (70 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: Uncooked pods are toxic to humans

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


Native to: ON
Other Names: coffeetree
Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa