Southern Catalpa Tree Seeds-(Catalpa bignonioides)
Southern Catalpa Tree Seeds-(Catalpa bignonioides)
Big leaves. Bigger personality. A southern original.
Catalpa bignonioides, the Southern Catalpa, is a fast-growing shade tree famous for its giant heart-shaped leaves, clusters of orchid-like white flowers, and long, slender seed pods. Nicknamed the “Cigar Tree” or “Fish-Bait Tree,” it’s a southern classic that combines ornamental beauty with practical charm—attracting Catalpa worms prized by anglers and turning any yard into a summer showpiece.
- Blooms in late spring with clusters of large, frilly white flowers
- Hosts Catalpa sphinx moth larvae (a favorite fishing bait)
- Tolerates heat, clay soil, and occasional flooding
- Provides dense, tropical-looking summer shade with massive leaves
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Catalpa bignonioides
Stratification: Required (30–60 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 5–9
Soil: Adaptable to most soils, including poor or wet areas
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 30–60 feet
Spread: 20–40 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Plant a legend. Cast some shade. The Southern Catalpa delivers bold foliage, southern charm, and a story worth telling.
FAQ
Why is it called the Fish-Bait Tree?
The Southern Catalpa attracts Catalpa sphinx moth larvae—known as Catalpa worms—which are a prized bait for freshwater fishing across the South.
Is the Southern Catalpa a good shade tree?
Yes. Its large leaves and fast growth make it one of the best native trees for dense, cooling summer shade in temperate and southern regions.
Where does Catalpa grow best?
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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