This tree has one of the largest leaves among local species. They are heart-shaped and 6-13 inches long. They occur in pairs or whorled on the stem and produce a foul odor when crushed. The tree can reach a height of up to 60 feet and have a trunk diameter to 4 feet. The trunk bark is scaly. The white flowers that occur from May to July have yellow and purple spots. The fruit is a long slender pod containing many small seeds. These occur from September to winter. The similar oriental princess tree (Paulowaia tomentosa) has similar leaves, but has chambered or hollow pith. The Catalpa has solid pith. The tree can grow rapidly and was once cultivated for fence posts. This fast growth, however, is counteracted by its tendency to be damaged by insects, storms or frost. The fall coloration is yellow.