Saturday, June 9, 2012

Tree with Orchid Blossoms | Catalpa


I have two towering Common (or Eastern) CATALPA trees that are in full bloom right now back in the lower reaches of my property. The ground around them is covered with blossoms that have fallen.

The clusters of flowers look rather orchid-like, don't they? According to my tree identification book, these trees are common in the south but have migrated as far north as New England. Later in the year, long seed pods will be hanging from these trees. They are rather messy so I'm glad they are in an area where they can 'do their thing' in a naturalized setting. The leaves are huge and give new meaning to 'falling leaves' each autumn. [iPhone photos are mine]

7 comments:

tammy j said...

they are such glorious trees!
and worth the "mess." yes...
they can be messy. but such supreme shade! they're treasured here for that alone, because of our hot climate. i had no idea they grew so far north. or east!

Gail, in northern California said...

My brother has a catalpa tree in his front yard. He lives in Minnesota!

Mama Pea said...

My grandparents (where I spent a lot of time growing up) had two huge catalpa trees in their front yard in northern Illinois. My brother and I and my cousins spent hours and hours playing with the gathered long, seed pods each year. Such memories!

Susan Freeman said...

I love Catalpa trees! There are quite a few of them in my neighborhood and they are stunning. I would love to have one in my yard, but I already have so many trees that I don't have space for one. So, I just enjoy the other ones nearby. Have a great weekend. We are stuck inside here ~ cold and rainy.

Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Anonymous said...

Rosemary:
Thanks for identifying that tree since I see alot of those near me but I never knew what they were and oh that close up shot is stunning. Thanks for your posts, love all of the Royal Family info as well. Noelle

Sharon Hermens said...

While growing up in upstate NY we had (still there) one of these trees just outside the porch. My brothers and sisters and I called this tree the 'popcorn' tree!

Buttonchief7 said...

just viewed your great pic and had to comment that we called them cigar trees. Southern Illinois is dotted with them. Very interesting to see.