Catalpa bungei
Family: Bignoniaceae
What it is like
Catalpa bungei is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Roadsides in. Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Zhejiang.
E. Asia - C. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The stem bark is made into a lotion for cancer. It is also anthelmintic and stomachic. The leaf, stem bark and the seeds are all used as dressings for sores, boils etc.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Wood - hard, excellent quality. Used for printing blocks, chess tables etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Prefers a good moist loamy soil and a sunny position that is not exposed. Tolerates heavy clay soils. Very resistant to atmospheric pollution. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, probably more in continental climates, they grow best in areas with hot summers. Protect plants from late frosts when they are young. Transplants easily. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown outdoors, or in a cold frame, as soon as it is ripe. Stratify stored seed for 3 weeks at 1°c and sow in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Softwood cuttings, 10cm long, in a frame. They should be taken in late spring to early summer before the leaves are fully developed. Root cuttings in winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist