The trumpet tree ((Catalpa bignonioides) has come to us from far away, its homeland is East Asia and Southeastern America. The tree arrived to Europe in the 18th century. Because of its long vines it has many trivial names like cigar tree, bean tree, brissago tree, the tree owes the rather joking nickname "clerk tree" or "officer tree": its leaves come late (in May), disappear early (already in October) and its products (seed pods) remain long (hang over the winter). It comes late and leaves early. Its floriferousness, its large, strikingly heart-shaped leaves in vivid green, and its large fruits make it a distinctive species that is frequently planted in parks and also as a street tree in Europes moderate climates. The wood of the Catalpa tree is light and firm, light brown in color, and at first glance resembles sweet chestnut wood. It is particularly durable and was traditionally used for fence posts and railroad sleepers, but it was also used as a tonewood for guitars.
