Catalpa Shade Tree

The Catalpa Tree is a medium to large growing shade tree. Maturing up to 70 feet tall, the Catalpa speciosa or Northern Catalpa is native to the mid U.S. in Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee.The Catalpa flowers adorn the tree in late spring to early summer. The blooms are white clusters and look like orchids that will fade into long seed pods like the picture below. Named for a North American Indian name, it is also known as the Cigar tree from the long seeds. 

An excellent street tree, lawn tree and shade tree. The Catalpa Tree is known most for being host to the catalpa sphinx moth. In it's caterpillar stage, they often damage the leaves from feeding. 

Auburn University has an article on the catalpa worm for more info on its habits.