Trader Mulberry vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Trader Mulberry vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Morus x Trader

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
no image

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.

The Trader Mulberry is a rare find. Named for the Trader family who brought the mulberry from Germany when they immigrated to the U.S. in 1982 and planted the original tree at their new homestead in North Dakota. This tree still bears fruit today! Similar to the Illinois Everbearing, but more winter hardy, this mulberry is a cross between white and red mulberry trees. This vigourous tree will produce large, sweet-tasting, virtually-seedless, black fruit throughout the entire summer and is great for fresh eating, jams, and wine. Do not plant near walkways or driveways as the berries can stain.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Trader Mulberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3b
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Berries: black seedless, large
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: Early July - Early September
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa
Other Names: mulberry, red mulberry