Common name Indian Bean Tree
Botanical name Catalpa bignoides
Family Bignoniaceae
Natural range USA
Mature height to 15m
Form Broad-domed
Likes Moist loamy soil
Dislikes Drought
Where to plant Possibly too big for the average garden
Known for Amazing flowers
Introduction: The Mystical Indian Bean Tree
A showstopper of North American origin, the Indian Bean tree, or Catalpa bignonioides as botanists refer to it, has garnered global acclaim for its annual spectacle of mesmerizing blossoms in spring. Despite its size, which might intimidate the average gardener, there are ways to include this majestic tree in your green space.
What Can I Expect in Spring?
Just imagine it: winter retreats, taking with it the last of the leafless days. Out of this emerges the Indian Bean Tree, its bronze foliage gradually evolving into a lush green shade as the sun warms the soil beneath it. The stage is set, but the real spectacle is yet to unfold.
As the weeks progress, small bell-shaped flowers, painted in strokes of white with hints of yellow and purple, begin to blanket the tree. The result? An awe-inspiring display that breathes new life into any garden setting.
What About those Bean-Like Features?
Following the grand bloom, the next stars of the show take the stage. Enter the eponymous beans – long, thin pods, ranging from 20-40cm in length and about 8-10mm in diameter. These bean-like features house numerous flat, light brown seeds, each adorned with two papery wings. A peculiar trait of this tree is that these pods often remain attached throughout the winter, adding another layer of intrigue to its appearance.
Isn’t It Too Big for My Garden?
One might think so. Indeed, the Indian Bean Tree isn’t a modest dweller. It can grow up to 15m tall and flaunt an equally broad canopy. So, is it out of reach for small or medium-sized gardens? Not necessarily.
The solution lies in a technique known as ‘pollarding’. Not only does the wide canopy and dense foliage of this tree provide excellent shade, but the unpredictability of its spread can also be tamed through this age-old practice.
What is Pollarding?
Pollarding is a common arboricultural method that involves trimming the main upper limbs of a deciduous tree back to a growth node, typically a branch union. This strategic cut stimulates the emergence of new growth each spring, fostering a dense canopy of leaves and flowers, albeit within a manageable size.
However, this isn’t a one-off operation. Regular pollarding, ideally at the onset of each winter, is key to maintaining a well-shaped tree and promoting its overall health.
Further Reading and Interesting Facts
- “Catalpa bignonioides – Indian Bean Tree” by the Missouri Botanical Garden
- “Indian Bean Tree” on the Woodland Trust
Fun Facts:
- The Indian Bean Tree’s blossoms are so alluring that they’re often used as bait in fishing!
- In North America, Catalpa bignonioides is a popular street tree because of its resistance to pollution.
- The wood of the Indian Bean Tree is soft, lightweight, and resistant to rot. This makes it a great choice for fence posts and railroad ties.
- This tree’s large heart-shaped leaves can reach lengths of up to 30cm, contributing to its dramatic appearance.
- While the tree is native to the USA, it’s widely planted across the globe, from Asia to Europe, for its ornamental features.
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