Has spectacular white flowers with small purple spots like Catalpa speciosa. An interesting tree. 40 x 40 Cold Hardy Zone 4. Seems to prefer moist, rich, neutral soils. Its success north of Zone 5b in Iowa cannot be reliably predicted.
Young trees tend to be very narrow and rather columnar in shape.
Fully mature katsura-trees are quite broad, rounded, and spreading. Has small heart-shaped leaves that resemble those in the redbud. Fall color varies from yellow to a very nice, bright red. Recommended for Zone 5. Experimental in protected sites in Zone 4.