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Chitalpa Trees are intergeneric hybrid trees in the trumpet vine family (Bignoniaceae) that were bred in Uzbekistan by crossing the California native Desert Willow with either Western Catalpa (to form the cultivar ×Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Morning Cloud') or Yellow Catalpa (to form the cultivar ×Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Pink Dawn'). The parent species are described on this page along with their hybrids.
Chitalpa Trees (×Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Morning Cloud' and 'Pink Dawn') are fast-growing, deciduous trees. Both cultivars usually grows 20 to 30 feet tall. They are both drought tolerant. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree. Chitalpa trees are male sterile and produce no viable pollen, so they are ranked 1 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a moderate tendency to cause hay fever. Chitalpa trees are planted as street trees on 2nd Street, 4th Street, Carnegie Way, College Street, Court Street, Cross Street, Dead Cat Alley, Depot Street, Dog Gone Alley, East Gum Avenue, Elliot Street, Johnston Street, Laurel Street, Marshall Avenue, North Street, and Oak Avenue.
All Chitalpa trees are infected with the bacterial plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, because the specific desert willow used for the parent stock was infected with it. This bacterium originated in South or Central America and is spread primarily by insects. If you live near a Chitalpa tree, it could be infecting the plants in your garden.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the Los Angeles area. It usually grows 5 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. In 20 years, it might grow to 15 feet tall. It prefers full sun or partial shade. It has low water needs and prefers fast drainage. It is equally likely to grow in wetlands or dry areas. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree. Desert Willow is ranked 4 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a mild tendency to cause hay fever.
Western Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is a deciduous tree from the midwestern United States. It usually grows 50 to 100 feet tall and about 40 feet wide. It prefers full sun and regular water. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree. Western Catalpa is ranked 6 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a moderate tendency to cause hay fever. Western Catalpa is planted in Woodland City Cemetery. It is also planted as a street tree on 1st Street and on Dead Cat Alley.
Yellow Catalpa (Catalpa ovata) is a deciduous tree from China. It usually grows 20 to 30 feet tall. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree. Yellow Catalpa is ranked 6 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a moderate tendency to cause hay fever.
