Chinese Catalpa (Catalpa Ovata) 20 seeds (#270)

Chinese catalpa (also known as yellow catalpa and Japanese catalpa) is a tree that typically grows to 30’ tall and as wide with a spreading crown. It is native to forested areas in western China. Broad-ovate, light green leaves (to 10” long and wide) are usually entire but sometimes 3-5 lobed. Leaves abruptly taper to points at the tips and are mostly cordate at the bases. Leaves are glabrous except for downy leaf veins beneath. Foliage turns an undistinguished yellow in fall.
Flowers are attractive, but not as showy as C. bignoniodes (southern catalpa) and C. speciosa (northern catalpa). Bell-shaped, orchid-like, yellowish-white flowers (each to 3/4” long) with purple and orange inner spotting appear in panicles (to 25 cm long) in late spring (late May to early June in St. Louis). Flowers give way to long, slender, green seedpods. The seedpods mature in fall to dark brown and then split open lengthwise to release the seeds within. Bark of mature trees is fissured, prominently ridged and pale gray-brown.

Genus - Catalpa
Species - Ovata
Common name - Chinese Catalpa
Pre-Treatment - Not-required, but recommended
Hardiness zones - 5 - 9
Height - 6 - 9 m
Spread - 6 - 9 m
Plant type - Medium Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Decorative
Bloom season - May to June
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Yellow

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours.
2. Fill a seed tray with potting soil.
3. Sow seeds on the surface, cover 1-2 mm of soil or vermiculite.
4. Water the soil daily and keep it constantly moist until the Catalpa seeds germinate.
Afterward, water the plants when the top of the soil feels dry.