Indian Bean Tree, Cigar tree, Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides, the Indian Bean Tree, was introduced from the Southeast US in 1726.

This tree is an interesting specimen that produces very large, bright green fleshy leaves late in the spring and an exotic, orchid-like, trumpet-shaped pink-white flower in midsummer. 

It is one of the very last trees to come into leaf in the spring, so do beware not to panic if your tree is not showing too many signs of life when all other trees are well advanced!

As the common name suggests, the Indian Bean Tree produces large, dark “beans” in the autumn, similar in look to vanilla pods. These beans remain on the tree for most of the winter months, giving it a slightly angry appearance!  

Catalpa bignonioides will thrive on most soil conditions, however it is best avoided in windy or hard paved areas, as the fleshy leaves can become damaged if subjected to excessive wind or heat.

The Indian Bean Tree is a common garden favourite in the UK. It can be produced as a multi-stem or single-trunk specimen. At Barcham, we favour the latter, meaning our trees are well suited to planting in gardens where they develop well above head height rather than taking up lateral space as the multi-stemmed versions can become very wide. 

It is a useful garden tree, although it can grow to a reasonable height at maturity if it is not managed.

Mature height: 12-17m

Common names

Indian Bean Tree, Cigar tree, Southern Catalpa

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded, Broad

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees

Looks good in

Summer

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Catalpa