The leaves of the catalpa are huge and they open to full size quickly in the spring so they make wonderful shade trees.
The catalpa also has some delicate blossoms - like miniature orchids - that are replaced later in the year by long seed pods.
This tree sits on the lot line between Weller's and the house next door. I park my car on the neighbor's side of the tree in front of what used to be the blacksmith shop. My car stays relatively cool there on a hot, sunny, summer day, though I do occasionally have to wipe a little bird puckie from the windshield or hood of the car. Seems the birds are pretty happy in the shade of the catalpa as well.
