Catalpa trees are really different from all the other Southwestern shade trees, as their leaves are really huge. These large leaves don't fair very well in the hot, dry desert heat, so you won't see very many of these trees around.

The Catalpa tree in this photo was found south of Mesilla, New Mexico, it's the nicest specimen we could find, most are half dead, very scraggly with scorched leaves.

The Catalpa is included here because of it's importance in bringing the Chitalpa tree to the Southwest. The Chitalpa is a hybrid between the Catalpa and the common Desert Willow tree.

We don't recommend the Catalpa tree for the desert Southwest, a much better choice is the Chitalpa or the Desert Willow.