[*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.
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.