Catalpa, << kuh TAL puh or kuh TOL puh, >> also called Indian bean, is a group of trees native to North America and eastern Asia. There are several species (kinds) of catalpas. The southern catalpa grows in the southeastern United States. The northern catalpa, also called the western catalpa, is found from Indiana to Arkansas. Both are planted as shade trees.
A catalpa has large, heart-shaped leaves. Its trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in the early summer. The flowers occur in large clusters and may be white or yellow. Catalpas also grow long, narrow seed pods that resemble pea pods. The pods, which may be up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) long, fall a few at a time and can become a litter problem on lawns.
