Northern Catalpa, native to the Mid-Atlantic but hardy all over New England, is among the most beautiful of the mid-sized trees with large, frilly white spring blooms.
 
It makes for an easy, fast-growing shade tree with an interesting irregular canopy.  Catalpa also features large, tropical-like heart-shaped leaves and long, slender seed pods.
 
This tree attracts bees and hosts several moth caterpillar species.
 
Fun fact: Northern Catalpa also is called Cigar Tree because of its strking seed pods.
 
(First photo: Christophe Bornand)