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Schubert Chokecherry vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Prunus virginiana Schubert
Catalpa speciosa
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Schubert Chokecherry is similar to a western chokecherry but features beautiful purple-red leaves throughout the summer.
This small, flowering tree is perfectly suited as an ornamental for city yards.
The fruit from this tree is a staff favourite for jams, jellies, and wines.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Schubert Chokecherry seeds at SeedTime.ca.
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.
Schubert Chokecherry Quick Facts
Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts
Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)