Native to southeastern North America, the southern catalpa tree stands out for its large form and attractive purple and white bell shaped flowers. The catalpa tree makes for a great shade tree while also attracting honey bees and native moths. After flowering in the early to late summer, catalpas produce long and narrow seed pods up to 15 inches long, giving rise to its common name, the 'cigar tree.' The southern catalpa is a relatively easy, fast-growing tree that prefers moderate soils but is tolerant of clay and wet or dry conditions, including seasonal flooding. In nature, it is most often found in rich moist soils by the sides of streams and rivers. It prefers being grown in full sun to part shade and will not grow in full shade.