Catalpa Trees

Hello,

The catalpa trees are blooming. Some of the blossom clusters were blown off allowing a very careful look at the beauty of the flower. Unfortunately, they did not survive long in a vase. Apparently they prefer the tree. It is wonderful to look out at the tree in the back yard. It is not so tall, but still towers above the garage. It is like having a bouquet right outside. Two doors away there is another in back and a twin in the front. Both of those trees are old and reaching for the heavens. I thought they might be 60 feet tall. According to the internet, the source of all facts, they can grow to 70 feet but usually it is about 50 feet. These trees are much taller than any of the three story houses they shade. It seems so amazing to have such a tall tree with such beautiful flowers on it. Most of the flowering trees that I know are much shorter.

I remember counting the catalpa trees within a few blocks. It was quite a nice number. Obviously someone else must have liked them. Some people do not like the pods they produce, but I think that is a small price to pay for the gorgeous flowers and large shading leaves. At least the pods are only demanding a pick up at one time of the year. When they are gone, they are gone.

The flowers fall, but they just disintegrate without requiring any human work. Somehow they must contribute to the ecosystem. I did see that a certain caterpillar likes to eat the catalpa leaves. Apparently people who fish like that caterpillar for bait. Left on its own the caterpillar munches the leaves before tuning into a moth.

The Monarch caterpillar at the library was in a J shape before making a chrysalis on Monday. The chrysalis was there on Tuesday. Great to be on the front viewing stage for such wonders.

Paula