Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Have you ever driven around our South Jersey area and thought you spied a giant green bean tree? Since we know that green beans do not grow on trees, chances are, you saw a Catawba or catalpa tree. These fast-growing trees, which reach heights of 40 to 80 feet tall, can be grown as shade trees and produce showy, orchid-like white flowers. After flowering, catalpas form long, slender seed pods filled with winged seeds. These “beans”, which give the tree its distinctive appearance, grow 8 to 20 inches long. They start out green, turn brown in the fall, then drop to the ground, though some of the seed pods can hang on the tree all winter.
In the spring, the long, dried seed pods will split in half and disperse seeds. Then new heart-shaped leaves will form on this deciduous tree, and the panicle flowers will bloom between May and June. These unique flowers will attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Catalpa trees grow best in full sun or part shade. Their extensive root system can aid in preventing soil erosion.
Catalpa trees are also known to be the only host plant for the catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar. Although these caterpillars feed exclusively on catalpa tree leaves and can severely defoliate its host, healthy catalpa trees can recover. Commonly called “catalpa worms” by fishermen, these caterpillars are prized bait for catching catfish and large-mouthed bass, as well as other fish. More commonly in the south, avid anglers will plant catalpa trees as “bait trees” for the sole purpose of attracting these worms. Besides fishermen, various wasps and fly parasitoids are predators of these caterpillars. If you see a catalpa caterpillar covered in something that looks like white rice, start saying your goodbyes. These white objects are parasitoid wasps that have eaten their way out of the caterpillars and spun cocoons while hanging out on their victim. Yikes! Nature has just taken an ugly, dark turn. Let’s refocus and look at some of the uses for catalpa wood.
First cultivated in 1754, catalpas were valued as quick growing trees that produced rot-resistant wood. Catalpa wood has been used for fence posts, railroad ties, and fuel wood. It’s also been used for telephone poles, interior trim, and to make furniture. Though it’s durable, it’s a softer wood that woodworkers love to use for carving or turning. One unusual use of catalpa wood is in the making of guitars.The lightweight wood adds an interesting grain pattern and is considered a rare but good tonewood and top wood for guitars and ukuleles.
Now that you know a little more about these unique trees, you will probably spot them around our mainland or wooded areas. Look for the pretty white flowers or the long, bean-like seed pods. We would love to hear what our readers think. Send your questions, comments, and photos to: shorelocalgardenee@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
