Please Help Identify This Tree

[havo]

I set out 3 small trees a year and a half ago, 18 to 24 inches tall. I planted them in the back of a bed that had really good soil. Since then they've grown to 15 feet, and have sent out a very aggressive root system. I'd really like to know what these things are. This is the first time they have bloomed. Very pretty trees, but seem to be very intrusive. Any help greatly appreciated.

IMG]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh29/madmarty00/08-06-08_1901.jpg[/IMG]

[cynthia_h]

If you remember where you bought them, maybe you can take a cutting back to the store and ask for an ID.

Did the plant come with tags or labels? Maybe there's a Latin name we can help you with.

Cynthia H.
USDA Zone 9, Sunset Zone 17

[havo]

Thanks, Cynthia. But no such luck. I got them from my mother in law, who got them from her brother, who got them from someone else. My mother in law has called several people that she knew that had one and no one knows the name. They all refer to them as "Hawaii Trees" for some reason. No one has reported the intrusive problem that I have with them, so I'm wondering if it's the soil that's got'em ramped up. I brought in top soil and then added alot of good stuff to it. They send up shoots and it's really easy to propagate them. These people just seem to pass them around so there's no sign of any real name. I've looked through alot of books and alot of internet searches to no avail.

[Jess]

The leaf looks just like a Catalpa but the flowers don't look right. Might be a form I have not come across.
Are the flowers scented?

[rondo769]

looks like a indian bean catalpa to me

[Kisal]

Those flowers are not typical of the catalpa tree. I have a catalpa in my backyard. Here is a pic of catalpa flowers:

http://humanflowerproject.com/images/up ... osa450.jpg