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Northern catalpa identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Northern catalpa, Catalpa speciosa, is an introduced tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Big heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long, in pairs or rings of three, soft and fuzzy underneath, smooth-edged. Bark: Gray to reddish brown with shallow cracks and scaly ridges. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify northern catalpa
| Leaf type | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Big heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long, in pairs or rings of three, soft and fuzzy underneath, smooth-edged. |
| Bark | Gray to reddish brown with shallow cracks and scaly ridges. |
| Fruit | Long, stiff, bean-like pods 10 to 18 inches long, full of flat seeds with papery fringed wings. |
| Twigs | Stout green to reddish brown twigs. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 80 feet with crooked, spreading branches; big white flowers with yellow and purple spots. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is northern catalpa native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists northern catalpa as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like northern catalpa
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Southern catalpa Catalpa bignonioides | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long, in pairs or rings of three. |
| Princess tree Paulownia tomentosa | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Very large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long in pairs; young trees can have toothed or lobed leaves. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify northern catalpa?
Look for opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Big heart-shaped leaves 5 to 12 inches long, in pairs or rings of three, soft and fuzzy underneath, smooth-edged. Bark: Gray to reddish brown with shallow cracks and scaly ridges.
Is northern catalpa native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists northern catalpa as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
How big does northern catalpa get?
Up to about 80 feet with crooked, spreading branches; big white flowers with yellow and purple spots.
How can you tell northern catalpa in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout green to reddish brown twigs. Bark: Gray to reddish brown with shallow cracks and scaly ridges.
What tree looks like northern catalpa?
Southern catalpa, Princess tree. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Catalpa speciosa fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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