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 the Bignoniaceae family.
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.
The leaves are heart-shaped and can get op to 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide. They are purple in the beginning, then they become golden yellow and later in the year they turn greener. Aurea is Latin and means golden or yellow. That refers to the color of the leaves. The leaves appear late in spring. In fall the leaves turn partly yellow before falling.
In June the white, trumpet shaped, fragrant flowers appear that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They have brown/purple and yellow markings in the throat. The flowers appear on many-flowers upright panicles above the leaves. The tree needs to be about 4 years old before it will bloom. After the bloom the bean or cigar like 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 they split open to release the seeds. The seeds are brown and flat and have two papery wings. The seeds germinate easily.
Next to multiplying through seed it also readily multiplies from cuttings. You can place a new branch in some water or into the ground and roots will grow soon. Only with the cuttings you can be sure that you get the same tree. The seedling may be the ordinary southern catalpa with green leaves.
The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is a messy tree because of the spent flowers that drop off. They are a bit slimy and can make the pavement temporarily slippery. Then there are the remains of the pods that, after splitting open, fall to the ground and the leaves that fall in fall.
The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' grows fast when it's young. In one season it can grow at least 3 feet (1 meter) longer. Older trees grow less fast. 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. Also the large leaves can easily be damaged by strong winds and hail. The golden southern catalpa likes a sheltered and warm spot and prefers well drained soil. It tolerates paving. The Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' does not like salt, but can grow in almost every 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 like to sharpen their nails on the trunk. I have placed some chicken wire around the bottom 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: -20 ºC (-4 F)
Height: 49 feet 3 inches (15 m)
Soil: normal