From the south eastern United States comes this magnificent, medium to large tree, which is very good as an urban subject, but not in paved areas. There are fine specimens in Palace Yard, Westminster. It is late into leaf and produces exotic, orchid-like flowers in midsummer. These are followed by the 'beans', which look like dark vanilla pods, in autumn. Outstanding as a specimen tree and tolerant of air pollution.

It does well on most soils.

Mature height: 10-15m