A pretty medium sized deciduous tree with large heart shaped golden leaves, which turn light green in summer. It has white delicate orchid-like flowers with orange and purple markings. It’s said to keep flies and gnats at bay. There are several in the Jephson Gardens.
he foliage and flowers are replaced at the end of the summer with long seed pods which remain on the tree into the winter. Catalpa bignonioides Aurea was introduced in the late 1870s, and it does best in a sheltered position as exposure to wind can damage the large, fleshy leaves and performs well on most soil.
Medicinal and folklore uses include a tea made from the bark which was used as an antiseptic, and antidote to snake bites, a laxative, sedative and vermifuge, and also as a substitute for quinine in treating malaria. It also has a slight narcotic action. It has been used with other herbs as a treatment for whooping cough and asthma. Poultices have been made with the leaves for external wounds and abrasions. The pods have sedative qualities and as well as having cardioactive properties have been distilled for use with other herbs in eye lotions for the treatment of trachoma and conjunctivitis. (Do NOT try at home)