The trumpet tree - not to be confused with the angel's trumpet, which is often wrongly called the same - originally comes from the milder regions in the south-east of the USA, but has also been found in Europe since the end of the 18th century. The deciduous tree is also known as the cigar tree or bean tree because of its long, brown fruit. The jokingly meant name "official tree" came about because Catalpa does not sprout until very late in the year.

The trumpet tree is particularly popular because of its beautiful flowers

The common trumpet tree at a glance

  • Botanical name: Catalpa bignonioides
  • Genus: Trumpet Tree
  • Family: Trumpet tree family (Bignoniaceae)
  • Common names: official tree, cigar tree, bean tree
  • Often confused with: Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia), Trumpet Flower (Campsis radicans), Laburnum (also sometimes referred to as Bean Tree)
  • Origin and distribution: Southeast of the USA, since the 18th century also in Europe
  • Location: sunny and sheltered from the wind
  • Growth: deciduous tree
  • Growth height: up to 18 meters
  • Bark: light grey-brown, fissured
  • Flowers: Bell-shaped, white individual flowers, arranged in panicles
  • Flowering period: June to July
  • Fruit: up to 40 centimeters long, bean-like
  • Foliage: up to 20 centimeters long, heart-shaped
  • Autumn colour: light yellow
  • Propagation: Seeds, cuttings or offshoots
  • Hardiness: older trees from four to five years yes, younger ones need winter protection
  • Toxicity: slightly toxic
  • Use: Ornamental tree in gardens and parks

Popular exotic with fascinating flowers

The trumpet tree is particularly beautiful in June and July, when it shows its large, bell-shaped flowers. These are pure white, but have yellow stripes and purple spots inside. The lightly scented flowers attract numerous bees and butterflies in search of food. The leaves, which are up to 20 centimeters long, also exude a delicate scent, which is said to have a deterrent effect on mosquitoes in particular. Catalpa is not necessarily a fast-growing tree - the average annual growth is around 35 centimeters - but it can reach 18 meters in height and 10 meters in width, provided of course that the location and care suit its needs.

The ball trumpet tree is suitable for the small garden

Even those who only have a small garden can get the beautiful trumpet tree. The ball trumpet tree - especially the dwarf variety 'Nana' - only grows about five meters high and up to 3.5 meters wide and is therefore much smaller than the large version. However, ball trumpet trees only bloom very rarely and if they do, then only when they are older.

tips

Also a very beautiful garden ornament, but much more rare to find, is Catalpa speciosa, the magnificent trumpet tree.

Category:

Trees