Average-sized tree with a wide, spreading, round-headed crown, native to the south eastern part of the United States. The crown is capricious and the low branching gives a rather short trunk. It is a rapid grower attaining a width of up to circa 10 m. The grey brown, shallow-fissured bark peels in plates. The hard wood of the twigs breaks easily. The acuminate and entire, heart-shaped leaf emerges late in spring and is shed relatively early. The leaves are opposite or whorled in threes. When bruised a distinctive smell emerges. In autumn they turn yellow. The white, tubular flowers appear in erect conical clusters. The capsules persist during winter. Shallow rooting with fleshy roots. Catalpa bignonioides is a handsome tree that can eventually grow to be a large tree requiring a great deal of space.
Catalpa bignonioides môže dorastať do výšky 10 - 15 m, fast growing v závislosti od podmienok stanovišťa a klímy.
Catalpa bignonioides rastie rýchlo rastúci a môže dorastať do výšky 10 - 15 m, fast growing v závislosti od podmienok stanovišťa a klímy.
Správny čas na výsadbu stromu je mimo vegetačné obdobie. V strednej Európe môže byť Catalpa bignonioides so zemným balom vysadený od polovice novembra do konca apríla, avšak závisí to veľmi od klimatických podmienok a druhu stromu.