The Memorial’s Catalpa Tree
Visitors to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial often ask about the unusual tree that stands between the historic boardinghouse and visitor center. It is a Catalpa tree. A small sign at the base of the tree identifies it as “Catalpa speciosa” the northern variety of the species. Commonly known as an Indian Bean tree, a Cigar tree, or a Catawba tree, you can distinguish a Catalpa tree from others based on some of its unique characteristics, especially its long bean-like pods. In the spring, it is one of the first trees to turn green developing large heart shaped leaves. It is widely used today as an ornamental shade tree. We have been told there were other Catalpas in the immediate vicinity before being removed to make room for modern construction projects. We believe this tree is around 50–60 years old, and was not here before 1949 during the Wolfe family occupation of the site.
In the early summer snowy white blossoms briefly cover the entire tree. As the blossoms wither and fall, long, slender bean pods start to grow, usually ranging from 7–10 inches in length. Throughout the summer, the tree stays a beautiful, vibrant green, but as autumn rolls in, the leaves start to turn a golden brown before they fall. Although it doesn’t rank high on the “pretty fall foliage” scale, a Catalpa’s leaves are perfect for fall leaf crunching and stomping. Then, the green pods start to turn dark brown, and they also drop from the tree, often into the winter. The tree is considered invasive. With its many seed pods, it can take over quickly. The large tree now overhangs the historic house and visitor center, so, it must be trimmed and shaped regularly. Interestingly, because it spreads rapidly, the Catalpa can be used in conservation efforts to reclaim land damaged by mining activities.
Historically there have been a myriad of documented uses of the tree, from building material to medicinal. European settlers planted it to produce fence posts because the wood is both lightweight and resistant to deterioration when placed in the ground for an extended period. Railroad companies created Catalpa plantations to harvest the wood for use as track ties and fuel. Carpenters and craftsmen have also used the wood for interior trim in houses and for various pieces of furniture.
Early 18th century doctors made a decoction (the liquor resulting from concentrating the essence of a substance, from a plant, by heating or boiling) from the seed pods for breathing problems like bronchial affections and asthma, as well as heart problems. Juices from the leaves or roots was used to treat eye swelling and skin sensitivity problems. To treat swollen lymph glands, the green leaves were crushed and placed on the affected areas, or a tea could be brewed from the bark that was dried then ground to a powder. Some modern pharmaceutical research shows that catalpa trees possess diuretic properties.
Some varieties (not this one) attract green worms, known as catalpa worms, which are prized fishing bait, so you might find them planted near bodies of water.
*Thanks to the USDA website on plant varieties (link here) for more in depth information on this beautiful unique tree!
