Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Pinus sylvestris
Catalpa speciosa
Scots Pine is a hardy, adaptable evergreen. This large tree has an oval crown and distinctively orange bark when mature. Scots Pine prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil.
It is the most common pine tree used in shelterbelts and windbreaks. Scots Pine is also occasionally used as a Christmas tree variety.
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.
Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) Quick Facts
Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts
In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)