Northern Catalpa

We went to a local cemetery near downtown to check on this Catalpa. I measured it in the summer of 2016 and found there did not seem to be much change in that time. It is a nice tree and tree people come and look at it. I talked to the caretaker of the cemetery and he said there was a plaque with information about the tree. I could not find the plaque, but will return at a later date.

The circumference grew from 139" to 140 1/8". When you consider the size of the tree, that is a lot of growth.

This tree was measured in 2016 and here is the post.https://verde33.blogspot.com/2016/08/large-catalpa-tree.html

Coming back in the winter makes an interesting contrast.

An old tree that gives peace to families that visit this place. This tree is old but it looks really healthy. It will continue to bless others for a long time.

Let us trust the Lord for health to give blessings to others.

Northern Catalpa

Here is a driveway to a house that is lined with Catalpa trees.

One of the ways to identify this tree is by the cigar like seed pods hanging from the tree. The leaf is large heart shaped. 

I like seeing these trees. The heart shaped leaf reminds me of the love God has given to the world by His Son Jesus. It is love that brings change not war. War will force change but not in peoples hearts. Love will change people's hearts. And this will change them and others around them.

Another aspect of this tree is the firewood is easy to split. When we have love our disposition is easy to get along with.

I don't want to be a person that goes along to get along, which perpetuates wrong living. Instead, I want to be a light to those in darkness. Thank you Jesus for Your guidance.

Catalpa

One of the identifying characteristics of a Northern Catalpa tree is a round leaf scar. The above photo shows this. Few trees have this characteristic. 

Another way Catalpa trees are recognized is the cigar like seed pods the tree produces.

The end of twigs usually have buds on them but Catalpa's don't.

Below is the bark of an old tree.

Catalpa wood is light with straight grain. This makes it easy to split and I use the wood for kindling.

Kindle afresh the gift of God that is within you. We should not let what we used to do for the Lord go to waste. Instead, kindle it so that it will grow . Just as a fire is kindled to give you more fire and heat. Kindle your giftings with Bible reading and prayer to allow you to serve the Lord with more zeal and enthusiasm.

2 Timothy 1:6 "For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands."

Lord, revive me according to Your word.

Large Catalpa Tree

Looking for trees in urban parks we found this large N. Catalpa tree.  It was in a local cemetery and provided shade with benches under it.

We measured it to record its size and to watch for growth in the years to come.

Height 72'
Circumference 139"
Canopy measured 2 different ways 65' each way.
This gives the tree 227 points.

This will be the baseline of other Catalpa trees. This is the first one I have measured.

The leaf size is also unique and easily identifies this tree from a distance.

As trees age they provide shade for us to rest under. Let us also give grace and rest to others.

Isaiah 4:6 "There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain."

Father, thank you for the protection from the worries of life You give.

Catalpa Seed Pods

Catalpa Seep Pods

Catalpa Flowers

Catalpa with Links

Here is an interesting photo showing sprouts off the bend of a branch.

Photo of Catalpa leafs and pods June 06

Tree Notes has a good article on Catalpas.

Biggest Catalpa tree in Missouri

High resolution of flowers

Northern Catalpa Virginia Tech fact sheet

USDA plants profile of Catalpa

ID photos

Catalpa Flower

Driving back at the end of the day Friday I ran across these Catalpa trees with beautiful flowers. I got out of my truck and took these photos. Catalpa is not known for its flowers but I think these are beautiful.

Northern Catalpa / Catalpa speciosa

There was some Catalpa on my property that I had cut down and used for firewood. The wood is light and straight grained. I enjoyed using it for firewood kindling. The neighbors also had some cut down so I had quite a bit of it through the past years. The wood is durable and does not rot as fast as some other logs in my wood pile.

It will grow anywhere but it does best in the bottoms. The tree has been used for fence posts in the past.



I ran across this catalpa tree on a hike recently. One of the main characteristics is the round leaf scar. Inside the leaf scar are bundle scars. Those also are positioned in an oval. A bundle scar are markings on the twig where the vascular bundles had been broken off where it used to be attached.




Light gray/brn bark.

Virginia Tech fact sheet.

Northern Catalpa

Catalpa Speciosa Northern catalpa, Catawba tree












ID info:
Big heart shaped leaves.


It has a raised round leaf scar
Cigar type fruit, been like thick walled capsule
Beautiful flowers blooming in May and/or June. Makes
for a good ornamental tree.
Flowers are white with pale yellow or purple markings.










Biggest Catalpa tree in Missouri



The tree is used for fence posts and in the past was
planted for this purpose.

The wood does not rot readily. I have some in my wood
pile and split it for kindling. It is straight grained
and easy to split. Elm and Oak logs have rotted but
the Catalpa wood is still fresh. The heart wood is
reddish brown or light gray. The wood is light.

Grows best in moist soils with side shading. It has
the ability to withstand flooded land for a time. It
will grow for 24 hours when there is 16 hours of
sunlight.

The chemical in the heart wood keeps the wood from
rotting. This chemical reminds me of the Holy Spirit
active in our lives keeping us vibrant.

2 Cor 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit
of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Without this liberty from the
Spirit we become dead in our rules and programs.