Distribution: Catalpa
is native to the central eastern United States, but is naturalized
throughout the United States and Canada.
General Characteristics: Catalpa
can be confused with Sassafras due to its similarity in
weight and color of the kiln dried lumber. Catalpa,
much like Sassafras, is used as a substitute for American
Chestnut due to color and grain pattern similarities. Catalpa
trees can reach 100 ft (30 m) in height and 3 ft (1 m)
in diameter. The bark is thick, with reddish-brown scales.
Catalpa trees are often planted as street trees and for
shade in yards, but most often for their showy flowers.
The tree has opposite, simple, entire leaves. The flowers
are bisexual and formed in branched clusters. The fruits
are large bean-like structures, resembling cigars. The
heartwood is a grayish brown, tinged with lavender. The
sapwood is narrow and gray. The wood has a faint aromatic
odor and no characteristic taste. It is ring porous, straight
grained, light and soft. It can be confused with ash.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.42; air-dry density N/A.
Working Properties: Catalpa
works very well with hand and machine tools, although it
requires care to sand well.
Durability: Very resistant
to heartwood decay when the wood is in contact with the
soil.
Preservation: No information
available at this time.
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