(Click on any photo to enlarge)

keith_3-logo   Catalpa (catalpa speciosa) is a large shade tree native to southwest Indiana and transplanted over the rest of the state. Also called catawba or cigar tree, catalpa is most easily recognized by the slender, hanging fruit which may be as long as 24 inches.

   Catalpa is a very fast-growing species, favoring full sun. Like many other fast-growing species, Catalpa wood is considered brittle, making it vulnerable to ice and wind damage. Very large leaves, flowers and fruit all make cleaning up a chore. This makes it a poor choice as a street tree, where it could threaten life and property. However, catalpa is commonly planted as an ornamental tree as it certainly has a lot of character.

Catalpa flowers bloom white with yellow and purple from late May through early June.

Catalpa flowers bloom white with yellow and purple from late May through early June.

   Catalpa usually grows fairly crooked, though it can easily reach 60 feet tall. The white with yellow and purple flowers put on a brilliant show in late spring and the showy fruit and large leaves catch your eye. Once you get to know it, catalpa is easy to spot from a distance with or without leaves on.

Often called "Indian cigars," catalpa fruit may be 24 inches long, while only one-half inch thick.

Often called "Indian cigars," catalpa fruit may be 24 inches long, while only one-half inch thick.

   Catalpa was transplanted and moved around the country in the past for both ornamental use and timber. The wood is very rot-resistant, almost as much as black locust, and was commonly harvested for use as fence posts. Today, treated lumber is readily available and catalpa has fallen out of favor in

This handmade electric guitar has a catalpa body and maple neck.

This handmade electric guitar has a catalpa body and maple neck.

outdoor applications. However, catalpa wood exhibits an interesting grain pattern and can be found as furniture, trim and cabinetry.

   Catalpa wood is extremely light and easy to work if care is given, making it very similar to spruce wood. This made catalpa a popular choice in musical instruments

Catalpa worms are voracious defoliators, but they make excellent fishing bait.

Catalpa worms are voracious defoliators, but they make excellent fishing bait.

and in the body of airplanes around World War I. Spruce eventually edged catalpa out of both of those uses, though catalpa is becoming popular again as the body of guitars.

   Catalpa is also known as the place to find some of the best fishing bait there is; the catalpa sphinx moth in its larval form as a caterpillar is commonly called a “catalpa worm” or “catawba worm.”

The classic shape of a mature catalpa, though they can get much larger than this.

The classic shape of a mature catalpa, though they can get much larger than this.

   Whether you intend to bait shop or are just interested in adding beauty to your yard, consider planting a catalpa.

KEITH O’HERRIN is the City Forester for the City of LaPorte. He can be found at the Park and Recreation Office at 250 Pine Lake Ave. or reached at 326-9600.