Life History and Disturbance Response of Catalpa speciosa (Northern Catalpa)
Family: Bignoniaceae
Guild: opportunistic, long lived, shade intolerant
Functional Lifeform: medium to large deciduous tree
Ecological Role: This tree is usually found in rich moist soils along streams and lakes. It has been widely planted in the eastern U. S. outside of its native range, where it will occasionally escape and be found along roads, fields and the margins of woods.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 100/?
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: up to 30m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: insects
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 15yrs
Mast Frequency, yrs: 2-3 yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or
Flowering Dates: early summer
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: no
Seedfall Begins: fall
Seed Banking: no
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: winged seeds released from pods/up to 200m/wind
Season of Germination: variable
Light: variable
Moisture: moist
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire:
Exotics: