City of Des Moines names catalpa 'Tree of the Month' at Woodland Cemetery

Anna Christian, an extern with the City of Des Moines Forestry Division, said the city has chosen a large catalpa at Woodland Cemetery as the division's August "Tree of the Month." "We've chosen the catalpa for August tree of the month," Christian said. Visitors can see the tree on the west side of Woodland Cemetery.

The catalpa is notable for its large green leaves, long seed pods and spring flowers, Christian said. She described the pods as growing to about 18 inches long and the spring blossoms as white with some purple. In autumn the tree's leaves turn a dull yellow before dropping.

Christian said catalpas make good shade trees, typically reaching 40 to 70 feet tall and putting on about 2 to 4 feet of growth in a year. She also noted the tree's value to wildlife: squirrels and birds use it for shelter, raccoons may occupy cavities, and its spring flowers provide a food source for pollinators.

For residents who want a smaller option, Christian suggested considering the hybrid purple catalpa. The Forestry Division segment closed with an invitation to the public to visit the tree at Woodland Cemetery.

This presentation was an informational outreach piece from the City of Des Moines Forestry Division; no formal decisions or policy actions were made during the segment.