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.
Photo: Le.Loup.Gris, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Southern catalpa
Where is Southern catalpa native?
Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is native to Florida and Mississippi. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Southern catalpa bloom?
Southern catalpa blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Southern catalpa need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Low water, Wet. Soil: Wet to moist soils. Mature height: 25-40 ft tall.
Is Southern catalpa good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to honey bees, larval host for catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar.
Is Southern catalpa deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Southern catalpa is drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Southern catalpa seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Catalpa bignonioides on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Southern catalpa.
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Also listed under
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