Catalpa ?!

[just.wing.it]

I decided to dig up this Catalpa tree that sprouted up in my garden, and pot it. I plan to let it grow for several years in this pot and then begin some work on it. I never see people use this species of tree for bonsai purposes, probably due to its huge leaves and large seed pods. However, where others see negatives, I see a possibility for something very special one day in the future.

 

[sorce]

I love the way they grow.

Even if it has to be 6ft tall!

I might find one soon!

Welcome to Crazy!

 

[Stickroot]

I decided to dig up this Catalpa tree that sprouted up in my garden, and pot it. I plan to let it grow for several years in this pot and then begin some work on it. I never see people use this species of tree for bonsai purposes, probably due to its huge leaves and large seed pods. However, where others see negatives, I see a possibility for something very special one day in the future. View attachment 83087

I have never seen a Catalpa with serrated edges. Looks like a Pawlonia to me. What zone you in?

 

[Stickroot]

Catalpa on topPawlonia right here.

 

[just.wing.it]

I'm in 6b, Maryland. And, wow you may be right. Paulownia or Catalpa.... I just assumed Catalpa because they're common around my area. I guess I'll know for sure eventually when it starts producing flowers.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Was thinking the same thing. Any Catalpa I've seen has smooth leaf edges.
Super cool trees, but not sure how much leaf reduction they'd offer.

 

[just.wing.it]

Was thinking the same thing. Any Catalpa I've seen has smooth leaf edges.
Super cool trees, but not sure how much leaf reduction they'd offer.

I don't know either. But I know one way to find out.... Also, I've seen large trees in people's yards that I know are Catalpas, that have unusually small leaves due to pruning. We'll see what happens with this thing.

 

[Stickroot]

I don't know either. But I know one way to find out.... Also, I've seen large trees in people's yards that I know are Catalpas, that have unusually small leaves due to pruning. We'll see what happens with this thing.

You can get them small.
I will post pics in the day light of mine, they make great trees.
Pawlonia makes great ones also, they are the fastest growing tree in the world, known as fortune wood. 7 ' a year they grow !
And they have beautiful flowers, lots of them!

 

[just.wing.it]

Cool!

 

[BethF]

Keep this in mind: the catalpa tree is host to the catalpa sphinx, the caterpillar of ceratomia catalpae, commonly called the hawk or sphinx moth. Eggs are laid on the underside of the leaves. When the caterpillar stage is reached, the little buggers feast on the tree, often completely defoliating it. Maybe that will contribute to leaf reduction? It's my understanding that these insects only eat catalpa, so your other trees are probably safe. FWIW, many of my deciduous trees are sited under a giant catalpa, and I've never had a problem.

 

[just.wing.it]

Yeah, pretty cool looking moths too.

 

[JoeR]

I don't know either. But I know one way to find out.... Also, I've seen large trees in people's yards that I know are Catalpas, that have unusually small leaves due to pruning. We'll see what happens with this thing.

The way to find out...


Just wing it!




Sorry had to.

 

[Stickroot]

Keep this in mind: the catalpa tree is host to the catalpa sphinx, the caterpillar of ceratomia catalpae, commonly called the hawk or sphinx moth. Eggs are laid on the underside of the leaves. When the caterpillar stage is reached, the little buggers feast on the tree, often completely defoliating it. Maybe that will contribute to leaf reduction? It's my understanding that these insects only eat catalpa, so your other trees are probably safe. FWIW, many of my deciduous trees are sited under a giant catalpa, and I've never had a problem.

Those caterpillars do only eat catalpa and yes they eat the whole tree!
The variety of catalpa I have, have them, they are excellent bait, Bluegill love them!

 

[just.wing.it]

Hahaha, indeed.

 

[Stickroot]

When you are training a Catalpa and some other trees like Mulberry you can cut the larger leaves smaller in the same shape to promote more and smaller leaves.

 

[just.wing.it]

I actually read in a fishing magazine once that anglers like to plant Catalpas just for the bait.

 

[just.wing.it]

When you are training a Catalpa and some other trees like Mulberry you can cut the larger leaves smaller in the same shape to promote more and smaller leaves.

Interesting. I've toyed with the idea of trying a Mulberry. They seem to grow out of every crack in the sidewalk and thrive anywhere.

 

[Stickroot]

Here is a Mulberry I cut leaves down on.

 

[ExcitedBeginner]

I'm new- going to my first bonsai 'clinic' next week. I have several caltapa sprouts in my yard and thought I'd give it a go- I know they grow very quickly. I'd like to begin on the easiest species- is there one that's particularly hardy- for my first? I'm an avid gardener and use my own seeds, I was wondering if there is such a thing as a bonsai flower? Such as a tiny sunflower? I'm probably crazy about this idea! Thanks for listening/reading!!! You're all so skilled and informative! Glad I found this site!
Oh- edited- I have no caterpillars on my large trees, definitely don't want 'bonsai' bugs in my sun room!

 

[GroveKeeper]

People pass on trees like catalpa because they don't want a bonsai that looks like a catalpa. If you train this tree to look like a catalpa, it will probably look very nice.