Quick answer: Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is native to 2 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Wet |
| Soil | Wet to moist soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | 25-40 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Special value to honey bees, larval host for catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar |
none noted formally; widely naturalized beyond native Gulf Coast range; some consider it a nuisance tree (odor, litter, root suckers)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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