The Catalpa bignonioides is native to the southeast of North America. This tree often grows along streams and river banks. The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is commonly named golden southern catalpa, golden Indian bean tree or golden cigar tree because of the seeds pods. The golden southern catalpa is a genus from trumpet vine family (Bignoniaceae).
The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' has a broad-rounded, irregular, loose crown. Because the crown is situated quite low (short trunk) this tree is not very suitable near a street or road. The golden southern catalpa looks its best as a solitary specimen in a garden or landscape.
The leaves are heart-shaped and grow up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide. They are purple when emerging in spring, then they turn golden yellow and later in the year they turn greener. The leaves appear late in spring. In fall the leaves turn partly yellow before falling.
"Aurea" is Latin for "golden" or "yellow". That refers to the color of the leaves.
In June the white, trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers appear, attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers have brownish-purple and yellow markings in their throats. The flowers are grouped in large, upright panicles that rise above the foliage. The tree needs to be about 4 years old before it will bloom.
After the bloom the long, bean- or cigar-like seed pods are formed in which the seeds grow. The fruits are green at first and then turn brown. They stay on the tree during winter. In spring the pods split open to release the seeds. The seeds are brown and flat and have two papery wings. The seeds germinate easily.
In addition to propagating by seed, you can also propagate the tree by routing cuttings. A young branch placed in water or soil will often form roots easily. Only with the cuttings you can be sure that you get a tree with the same characteristics. Seedlings may grow into the ordinary southern catalpa with green leaves.
The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is a messy tree. First because of the spent flowers that fall to the ground. They are a bit slimy and can make the pavement temporarily slippery. Then there are the seeds and the remains of the seed pods that, after splitting open, fall to the ground and finally the leaves that fall in fall.
The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' grows fast when it is young. It can grow at least 3 feet (1 meter) in a year. Older trees grow more slowly. The roots spread wide and relatively close to the surface. The main roots grow deep into the ground. The golden southern catalpa is a tough tree and can easily be pruned.
The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' has brittle branches which is why it has problems with too much wind. The large leaves can also easily be damaged by strong winds and hail. The golden southern catalpa likes a sheltered, warm location with well-drained soil. It tolerates paving. The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is not very salt-tolerant, but can otherwise grow in almost any environment. The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is well equipped against occasional flooding because of the wide spreading roots which give it good grip. Because of the extensive root system it can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Cats often like to sharpen their nails on the trunk. I have wrapped some chicken wire around the base of the trunk to protect it. Otherwise there will not be any bark left.
The Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ remains smaller than the Catalpa bignonioides with a height of 26 feet (8 meters).
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: deciduous
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower color: white
Flowering time: June – July
Foliage color: yellow
Fragrant flower: yes
Hardiness: -4 F/-20 ºC
Height: 26 feet/8 m
Soil: normal