Does anyone know the average lifespan of the Catalpa tree?

Question

I read that it has a short lifespan, but I'm not sure what is meant by short.

Answer 1

The Virginia Big Tree Program site (see below) lists the average age as 100 years and the maximum as unknown. Other sites say the average is as low as 60 years. YMMV though.
How long a particular tree lives depends on a lot of factors: the actual variety, the planting zone, the care it receives, where it's in harsh or inappropriate location (for example, some trees don't tolerate being near a busy road or being planted in an urban settting, and some, such as willows, like to be near water). Two other factors are that people don't always think about are planting depth and how well-formed the tree is when you get it from the nursery. One of my trees died because it had been planted too deep, and I lost another because it was bady grafted at the nursery.
I'd recommend contracting a local nursery (not a big box store, but a real nursery), a local arborist, a horticultural organization or a garden club, and ask how long catalpa trees live in your area. Also, some towns have lists of recommended trees, and sometimes even have tree-planting programs -- you get a tree for free or at a low cost if you agree to take care of it.

Answer 2

Redwood Tree Lifespan

Answer 3

All I can tell you is there is a Catalpa Street in my town lined by Catalpa trees. My grandfather remembered when the trees were actually fence posts cut from green Catalpa trees that sprouted. (An actual extablished historical fact.) He was a young man then, died about 20 years ago at age 85 and the trees are all still thriving. I'd say they are pretty hardy! :-)

Answer 4

Catalpas are awesome trees, I saw them everywhere when living in Boise ID.

They have a relatively short life span as trees go...approx. 70 yrs
There are 2 main Catalpas..southern & northern, and can reach a height of
9 to 18 meters ( i dont do math so not sure how many feet that equals)

They are very pretty when they flower & the catalpa fruit is edible as well!

Answer 5

Outside of Northern Catalpa's native range here in the Midwest, examples planted by early settlers are still alive & healthy today some 100-140 years later. Any North American community or property over 100 years old contains Catalpa trees, along with long lived endangered Ash & Red Oak. The most determining factor of species lifespans results from their quality of "Heartwood" production. Faster growing urban examples lack production of "Lignin" which strengthens aging structures heartwood. Only until more time passes will we truly know how long Northern & Southern Catalpa survives growing in unique conditions other than within its native range. And holyghostgoosebumps fencepost story has taken place in other storied communities as well

Answer 6

Hello, I have Catalpa trees around my home that have been standing since my mom can remember, and she is 92, born in 1914. My grand kids climb them still and they look healthy and are still producing millions of those darn beans!
Of course some Redwood trees, Olive trees, and an African tree who's name escapes me just now are 3-5thousand years old. So I guess 100 years or so isn't all that old!

Answer 7

100 years is the average

Answer 8

I have seen anywhere from 60 - 90 years depending on which website you want to believe.

Answer 9

no, sorry.