Red Sunset Maple vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Red Sunset Maple vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Acer rubrum Sunset

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Red Sunset Maple

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.

Red Sunset Maple is named for its stunning orange and red leaves in the fall. It is a fast growing cultivar of the Red Maple that is native to Eastern North America. The winter stems and spring flowers are also tinged with red color, making this tree attractive year round.

The Red Sunset Maple is salt sensitive and prefers moist soil with slightly acidic conditions.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Red Sunset Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: red/orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: small red clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa