The Catalpa tree (or Trumpet Tree) is a real showstopper in the garden, not just for its gorgeous canopy of flowers, but for its super unique seed pods. These pods are so distinctive that they’ve earned the tree several nicknames, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use them to grow your own new trees!
From Beautiful Blooms to Seed Pods
The magic starts with the blossoms. Catalpa flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning they can self-pollinate, though local bees and insects usually do the heavy lifting. Once those pretty flowers fade away, the tree starts putting its energy into developing long, slender fruits right where the flowers used to be.
What Do the Fruits Look Like?
You can’t miss them! Catalpa fruits look like long, skinny bean pods that can grow up to 16 inches long. They start out a vibrant green in the summer and stay that way for a while. As they hang on the tree through the winter and into spring, they turn a deep brown. That color change is nature’s way of telling you the seeds inside are finally ripe. Once the pods start to crack open on their own, you know they’re ready.
The “Cigar Tree” and Other Fun Nicknames
Because those long, brown pods look so much like oversized green beans or even stogies, the Catalpa has picked up some pretty funny nicknames over the years. Depending on who you ask, you might hear it called the:
- “Bean Tree” or the
- “Cigar Tree.”
Using the Seeds for Propagation
Inside those pods are the seeds you’ll need if you want to propagate your tree. My best tip? Leave the pods hanging on the tree all winter long. Wait until spring when they’ve turned brown and started to split open to harvest the seeds.
Just a heads-up: nature can be fickle! Some years the pods are packed with seeds, while other years they might be totally empty. If you open a few pods and find nothing, don’t worry—you can always try other propagation methods like cuttings.
A Word of Caution: The Fruits are Toxic
While they might look like beans, definitely don’t add them to your dinner plate! The fruits are mildly toxic. Eating them won’t be fatal, but they can cause some nasty stomach issues, nausea, and vomiting.
It’s also really important not to confuse the Catalpa with the Angel’s Trumpet (*Brugmansia*) or Laburnum (*Golden Chain Tree*). While their seed pods might look similar to the untrained eye, those plants are much more dangerous and can actually be fatal if ingested. Always keep an eye on curious pets or kiddos around these trees!
