On our campus between two buildings, tucked away
Always something quite unusual to display
Very distinct for its dangling bean-like seed pods
Hanging on, persisting through winter by all odds
Catch clusters of white showy flowers when you can
You will see the five lobes in late spring if you plan
Trumpet shaped with yellow stripes, purple spots inside
Giant heart-shaped leaves, soft hairs beneath is the guide,
Another diagnostic, is three scars per node
Identify the twigs in winter with this code
The sunken leaf scars resemble suction cups, look
This is the detailed description in the fieldbook.
The catalpa moth caterpillar highly rates
Anglers regard the worm as one of the best baits
Native to the mid-west of the United States
A much smaller range this tree did demonstrate
At the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
Now beyond the confluence, this tree delivers
Widespread, sold by nurseries across the country
This cigar tree grows at our university