Catalpa Tree 'Super Seedling' | Cigar Tree | Catalpa speciosa

Why Catalpa Tree 'Super Seedling' is Trending  

• One of the fastest-growing shade trees available — adds several feet per season and reaches 30-60 ft. at maturity
• Legendary among freshwater fishermen for producing catalpa worms — the most sought-after natural bait for bream, bass, and catfish
• Massive heart-shaped leaves and showy white blooms with pink and purple flecks make it a true ornamental standout
• Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and adaptable to a wide range of soils — genuinely low-maintenance once established
• Pollinator magnet in late spring, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when little else competes for attention

What This Tree Does For You

• Delivers fast, dense shade over a large area — ideal for hot yards, patios, and open lawn spaces that need relief quickly
• Provides a living, renewable source of catalpa worms each summer — a time-honored tradition for freshwater fishing families
• Creates a dramatic focal point with 10-inch heart-shaped leaves, fragrant white flower clusters, and distinctive 8-12 inch cigar-like seed pods
• Thrives in challenging conditions — wet soils, dry spells, and heat — without demanding constant attention
• Can be trained into a formal umbrella topiary shape for a striking, structured landscape statement
• Adds multi-season interest: spring blooms, summer shade and worms, fall color, and winter seed pods that persist on bare branches

Plant Highlights

• Size at Maturity: 30-40 ft. tall (up to 60 ft.) x 20-30 ft. wide
• Flower Color: White with pink and purple flecks
• Bloom Time: Late spring
• Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Occasional; tolerates both wet and dry conditions once established
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained with organic amendment
• Growth Rate: Fast — several feet per season
• Type: Deciduous tree
• Foliage: Large dark green heart-shaped leaves, 10" long x 8" wide
• Seed Pods: 8-12" cigar-like pods, persistent through winter
• Brand: Plant Factory Direct

 Premium Features & Solutions

Most fast-growing shade trees sacrifice ornamental value for speed. The Catalpa 'Super Seedling' delivers both — dramatic growth rates combined with one of the most distinctive flower displays of any deciduous tree. The late-spring bloom clusters are fragrant, showy, and arrive just as the canopy fills in, giving you shade and beauty simultaneously.

The catalpa worm story is real and well-documented among fishing communities. Each summer, typically June through July, the sphinx moth caterpillar feeds on catalpa leaves for approximately three weeks. These yellow and black crawlers are prized by freshwater anglers as organic bait for bream, bass, and catfish — a tradition passed down through generations. Excess worms can be blanched, dried, and frozen in cornmeal for future fishing trips.

The tree can also be pruned into a formal umbrella shape, making it a versatile choice for both naturalistic and structured landscape designs.

Choose Your Size: The 3 Gallon 3-4'' tall $99.99 is our best-value entry point — nursery-grown with an established root system that takes off quickly in its first season. The 3 Gallon 4-5' tall $109.99 gives you a head start in height for planting in prominent locations where immediate visual impact matters. Both are the same genetics and nursery quality.

Smart Growing Guide

Beginner — Step-by-Step

1. Choose a location with full sun and enough space for a mature spread of 20-30 ft. — this tree gets large, so plan ahead.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and the same depth. Loosen the surrounding soil and mix in compost or organic material if available.
3. Remove the tree from its pot, gently loosen the roots, and set it so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply right after planting.
5. Water once or twice a week for the first 4-6 weeks. After establishment, the catalpa is highly drought tolerant and needs only occasional deep watering.
6. In early spring, remove any crossing or damaged branches to maintain a clean structure. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season.

Advanced — Optimization Tips

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring to support the catalpa's naturally fast growth rate and maximize first-season establishment.
• For umbrella topiary training, select a single dominant leader and prune lateral branches back to the desired canopy height each spring before bud break.
• To maximize catalpa worm production, plant multiple trees in proximity and avoid broad-spectrum insecticide applications during June-July when the sphinx moth caterpillars are active.
• In Zone 5, plant in a sheltered location away from prevailing north winds to protect young trees from late-season cold snaps during the first winter.
• Catalpa tolerates periodic flooding — it is an excellent choice for low-lying areas, rain gardens, or sites with seasonal wet conditions that would stress most other trees.

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact

• Plant 2-3 trees in a loose cluster 15-20 ft. apart to create a shaded grove that also maximizes catalpa worm production each summer.
• Use as a fast-growing privacy screen or windbreak along fence lines — the dense canopy fills in quickly and provides effective coverage within 2-3 seasons.
• Pair with ornamental grasses or native wildflowers beneath the canopy to create a low-maintenance understory that thrives in the dappled shade.
• Harvest catalpa worms using a rope or pole thrown over a limb and shake gently — wear gloves, as the worms excrete a yellow-green fluid when handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2-3' and 3-4' size options?
Both are 3 Gallon field-grown trees with the same genetics and nursery quality. The 2-3' tall ($79.99) is our best-value option and establishes quickly in its first season. The 3-4' tall ($89.99) gives you a head start in height for prominent planting locations where immediate visual impact is the priority.

How fast does the Catalpa 'Super Seedling' grow?
Very fast. Under good conditions, catalpa trees can add several feet of growth per season. They are among the fastest-growing shade trees available for Zones 5-9.

How big will it get at maturity?
Typically 30-40 ft. tall and 20-30 ft. wide, though specimens in ideal conditions can reach up to 60 ft. Plan your planting location with the mature size in mind.

When does it produce catalpa worms?
Typically June through July. The sphinx moth caterpillar feeds on the leaves for approximately three weeks. Trees generally need to reach a few years of maturity before producing a significant worm crop.

Can I freeze catalpa worms for later use?
Yes. Bring a pot of water to a low boil, add the worms for about one minute until they stiffen, spread on a paper towel to dry, then place in a zip-lock bag with cornmeal and freeze. They keep well for future fishing trips.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes. Catalpa is rated deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for rural and suburban properties with deer pressure.

Is it safe for pets?
No. Catalpa is not considered pet-friendly. Keep pets away from the tree and its seed pods.

What soil does it need?
Catalpa is highly adaptable. It prefers moist, well-drained soil amended with organic material, but tolerates clay, sandy, wet, and dry conditions once established. It is one of the most soil-tolerant trees we carry.

Can it be shaped into a topiary?
Yes. Catalpa responds well to pruning and can be trained into a formal umbrella shape by selecting a single leader and pruning lateral branches to the desired canopy height each spring.

How do I use the Fill My Box savings?
Add 2 Catalpa Tree 'Super Seedling' trees to your cart. The discount — 15% discount respectively — applies automatically at checkout. No code needed.

Ordering: Our processing time is typically 1-3 days after receiving your order. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday.

Shipping: The Plant Factory, Inc. uses proven shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. We monitor weather conditions and will hold orders during extreme heat (above 95 degrees) or cold (below 34 degrees) to ensure your trees arrive healthy and viable. We do not ship to AK, HI, or PR.

Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.