Northern Catalpa


Name Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as catalpa, western catalpa, catawba, and cigar tree.
Sources Grows in eastern to central United States and southern Canada.
Appearance Straight grained with light gray-brown or buff-colored heartwood and light cream-colored sapwood (most lumber consists of heartwood).
Physical Props Soft, weak, and brittle with very good decay resistance and dimensional stability.
Working Props Turns well. Excellent for working with hand tools – almost on par with white pine.
Uses Mainly used for fenceposts, rails, beams, and crating. Also good for turned articles and carving due to softness and stability. Other uses include millwork, framing, forms, furniture, drawer sides, and general purpose construction.
Comments Exudes creosote-like odor.