Catalpa speciosa

These are the magnificent orchid-like flowers of the Catalpa tree in our garden. They are borne in panicles of 10 to 30 blossoms and in this evening’s breeze they were just a delight to behold.

Though this is a young tree it still towers above the cherries and magnolias. Someday, this will b a giant tree. The name ‘Catalpa’ was a miss transcription of the native name: Catawba. It has large heart shaped leaves, soft but long-lasting wood, and the flowers are good for producing honey. The foot-long, bean-like fruits are sometimes called Indian cigars