This giant Northern Catalpa tree is only slightly smaller than the present national champion located in Lansing Michigan on the capitol grounds.

Although its exact age is not known, based upon its size, this tree is estimated to be about 150 years old. Most catalpa trees only live for 40-50 years.
The girth of our tree is 17’ 2” (206 inches). It is approximately 70’ tall and has an average branch spread of 87 inches.

The leaves of the Catalpa tree are heart-shaped whorls of three at a node.
In June, large clusters of orchid-like flowers appear. Later in summer, the fruits appear, looking like huge string bean pods.

Catalpa wood which does not easily rot, was favored by settlers for fence posts.
This tree has been documented in the Michigan Big Tree Project.