Winter Trees and Shrubs: Northern Catalpa awkward botany Have you seen this impressive tree that produces bean pods and wondered what it was or what it could be used for? The Catalpa Tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is also referred to as Franklin & Marshall Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) Now that the leaves have fallen the exposed seed pods of some species are evident, hanging from the branches and rattling in the breeze. Wonder which species of trees you'll see with