About Trey Tarrant Expertise I can answer questions about plant identification, plant care, plant pest management, landscaping, and general gardening questions. Please post a picture of the plant you wish to identify, if possible. If you say something like, "I've got this plant and it's green with long leaves and white flowers" and do not include a picture, chances are I won't be able to help you. I may not be able to help with plants that are not grown in the Southeast/ Eastern US, but you're welcome to try me.
Experience Landscaping for 10 years. Horticulture Instructor at Lawson State Community College for 7 years.
Education/Credentials M.S. in Horticulture from Auburn University.
Hello Trey. We have a tree in our backyard that I have been trying to identify. I have searched the internet. My husband & son thought it was a catalpa, but it does not have blossoms in the Spring or any cigars in the fall. I am attaching a picture of a brown one I found on the ground. Of course they are green in the summertime. It measures 12" from tip to stem, not including the stem. We are very curious to know what this is, so any info you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Answer That looks like a catalpa to me. A similar looking tree is a Paulonia, or empress tree, which is a weed species. If it is a young tree, it may not be flowering bcause it is still immature. If it is a Paulonia, it will have purple flowers in the summer. If I were you, I would certainly hope it was a catalpa rather than a Paulonia. If you send a picture next year when it has leaves again, I may be able to be more sure about my answer.
![](javascript:displayImg('http://z.about.com/w/experts/Identifying-Unknown-Plants-722/2008/11/Leaf.jpg','Leaf','Leaf 12" long not including stem'))