[*Catalpa sp.] On Goat Island, Eckel (1985). Three species are listed in the checklist of plants for New York State (Mitchell, 1986): Catalpa bignonioides Walt, C. ovata G.Don, and C. speciosa (Warder ex Barney) Engelm., the first two as rare escapes, the last as naturalized. None of these is listed as yet for the Niagara Frontier Region by Zander and Pierce (1979). Non-flowering specimens of a Catalpa tree are found all along the base of the gorge on the Canadian side in the river-side woods, normally composed of pioneer species such as Betula lutea and B. papyrifera, etc. They are young, which indicates a relatively recent establishment, although the Catalpa trees planted on the residential street just above the crest of the Niagara gorge, especially on the Canadian side, and probably their parents, are much older.

Catalpa bignonoiodes Walt. INDIAN BEAN, CATALPA TREE. New York: Goat Island on the Niagara River. Grassy opening, woods edge by Three Sisters. Flowers with little purple spots inside, with yellow. P. M. Eckel 881056 June 25, 1987 (BUF).

Ontario: Queen Victoria Park, Cameron, [ca.1890] (NFO).

Catalpa speciosa (Warder & Barney) Engelm. New York: Lewiston: Crest of the Niagara River Gorge just N of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Young patch in open grassland (possibly climax meadow). P. M. Eckel 8911143 June 27, 1988 (BUF).

Catalpa sp.

New York: Niagara Co., City of Niagara Falls, gorge of the Niagara River, base, population of early-mature, non flowering trees on limestone/dolomite flats near riverside just S of the Whirlpool basin, perhaps from Canadian street trees as these occur along the parkway along the gorge rim, but not on the American side. ca. 4 young trees. P. M. Eckel, Sept. 21, 2008 (PME).

It is probable that Catalpa speciosa is the tree that is new to our flora, as it is more readily planted than C. bignonioides as its flowers are more handsome, but it is difficult to tell until the young trees are old enough to bear flowers and fruit. That this may sometime be considered an invasive species in the Niagara flora is indicated by its presence in the middle of the woods on Goat Island, where it was not noted as recently as ten years ago. It is also coming up at the bridge abutments at the Three Sisters Islands, places where horticultural species are either planted or which enjoy establishing themselves. This species may joint the suit of invasive trees such as Morus alba and Acer negundo.

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