Yellow Catalpa
catalpa ovata
Also known as: ["Japanese Catalpa","Golden Catalpa"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Japan, China, and Korea, known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, bell-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Catalpa |
| Botanical Name: | Catalpa ovata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers space for growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with organic matter; ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates heat but may struggle below 50°F (10°C).
Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; seeds in fall or spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall or early spring for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination takes 2–4 weeks with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; selective branch removal.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare soil mix, inspect roots, water after repotting, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or drop; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Catalpa ovata. The toxicity is generally low, but individual sensitivities can vary.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Catalpa ovata parts can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The alkaloids present may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening unless consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCatalpa ovata contains alkaloids and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, though severe cases may involve more systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Catalpa ovata grow?
A: It can grow up to 50 feet tall with a spread of 30-40 feet.
Q: Does Catalpa ovata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Catalpa ovata suitable for urban environments?
A: It is moderately tolerant of urban conditions but prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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