ï~~2004
THE MICHIGAN BOTANIST
133
THE BIG TREES AND SHRUBS OF MICHIGAN
38. Catalpa bignonioides Walter
Southern Catalpa
Elwood B. Ehrle
Department of Biological Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
[email protected]
The largest known Southern Catalpa tree in Michigan occurs north of Grand
Rapids in the city of Sparta, in Kent County in the southwest part of Michigan's
Lower Peninsula.
Description of the Species: Catalpas belong to the family Bignoniaceae. As
such they have showy white flowers which are borne in many-flowered panicles.
The flowers are 2-6 cm across and are 5-lobed at their 2-lipped tips and tubular
below (Fig. 1). From a distance they could be confused with the similar sized
panicles and flowers of the Horse Chestnut tree which, however, is readily distinguished by its palmately compound leaves. The leaves of the catalpas are simple, opposite or whorled, large, heart-shaped, and have an accuminate apex. The
leaves of the Southern Catalpa are smaller (10-20 cm) than those of the Northern Catalpa (20-30 cm). The flowers of the Southern Catalpa are also smaller
(2-4 cm across) than those of the Northern Catalpa (4-6 cm across). The cylindrical fruiting capsules of the Southern Catalpa are about 1 cm in diameter.
Those of the Northern Catalpa are larger, uaually 1.5 cm in diameter. Both
species retain their capsules throughout the winter. The seeds of the Southern
Catalpa have pointed fringed wings at both ends. Those of the Northern Catalpa
have wide fringed wings at both ends.
In southern Michigan, the Northern Catalpa is a common native species and
the Southern Catalpa is quite rare as a cultivated species.
Location of Michigan's Big Tree: The largest known Southern Catalpa in
Michigan is located behind the house at 101 Division St. in Sparta, MI. The tree
can be reached by taking US Route 131 north through Grand Rapids. Continue
north to exit 89 and take Michigan Route 37 (M-37) towards Newago. Turn right
onto 13 Mile Road which becomes Division Street in Sparta. At 101 West Division Street, behind a yellow house, is the champion Southern Catalpa tree. The
GPS coordinates for this location are N 430 9.681' by W 85Â~ 42.757'. Thanks to
Fred Nietering for help in locating this tree.
Description of Michigan's Big Tree: The tree has a large brass plaque dated
April 13, 1960 declaring that "This tree is a champ." The plaque was placed
there by the Michigan Botanical Club. There is a large hollow place in the trunk.
As measured on 5 June 2003, the girth was 195" (16' 3", diameter = 62"). The
tree was 72' (22 m) high and had an average crown spread of 62' (18.9 m). The
total points for this tree are 195 + 72 + Y (62) = 283.
