Differences between Catalpa ovata and Catalpa spp

Different heights

Generally, the height of the catalpa tree can grow to about 30 meters, but the catalpa tree can only grow to 15-20 meters, so it is easy to distinguish them by looking at the height.

Different tree crowns

The crown of the catalpa tree is relatively narrow and obovate, the bark is gray-brown, the crown is straight, and the main branches are open and extended. However, the crown of the catalpa tree is oval and the bark is brown or yellow-gray.

Different leaf shapes

The leaves of the catalpa tree are triangular-ovate with long and pointed tips, and the twigs are gray-green and hairless. However, the catalpa tree is different in that its leaves are nearly round, and the length and width of the leaves are almost equal.

Different flowers and fruits

The flowers of the catalpa tree are light pink with purple-red spots. The catalpa tree is self-sterile, so it often only blooms but does not bear fruit. The flowering period is from April to May. The corolla of the catalpa tree is light yellow or yellow-white with yellow stripes inside. The flowering period is longer than that of the catalpa tree, and the fruit ripens from August to October.

Different growth habits

The catalpa tree is cold-resistant and light-loving, and is suitable for fertile and moist soil. Its young trees grow slowly, have relatively developed lateral roots, are highly resistant to harmful gases, and have a long lifespan. Catalpa is shade-tolerant and cold-resistant, suitable for growing in temperate regions, and prefers deep, fertile and moist soil.

There are some other differences between the catalpa tree and the catalpa tree, which I will not go into detail here. Through the above basic differences between the catalpa tree and the catalpa tree, you can understand that they are actually two different plants.