Habitat:
Tolerant of a variety of soil types, it will, however, grow best in
moist, rich soils.
Diseases: Verticillium wilt is the most serious disease, killing many catalpas planted as ornamentals. In wet years powdery mildew may attack the foliage, but the tree will continue to prosper. Due to the weak wood, the branchlets break easily in strong storms.
Distribution: Native to the boot-heel region of south east Missouri, the northern catalpa was recognized by settlers as being a useful, adaptable, fast-growing, hardy species. It grows well throughout the Midwest, is cultivated throughout Iowa and often persists in abandoned farmsteads and is occasionally found along roadsides and stream banks.
