Growing Catawba Trees from Seed Pods: What You Need to Know

Catawba Tree Propagation and the "Worm" Misconception

A gardener received a "cigar" (seed pod) from a Catawba tree in South Carolina and hoped to grow a tree—and attract the prized caterpillars often called "Catawba worms" for fishing bait.

Seeds vs. Caterpillars

Catawba trees don't "bear worms." They're host plants for the catalpa sphinx moth caterpillars. Some trees attract them heavily; others don't. To ensure caterpillar activity, collect seeds from a tree currently hosting caterpillars, or dig seedlings from beneath such a tree.

Seed Collection and Germination

Harvest brown, dry pods that have split open. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in moist potting mix. Transplant seedlings at 4–6 inches tall into larger pots (2–3 per pot), then to the ground at 10–12 inches. Protect young trees with mulch. Catawbas thrive from South Carolina southward to Florida.

Realistic Expectations

Growing from seed takes years to reach caterpillar-hosting size. For faster results, transplant seedlings from under a known "worm" tree. The caterpillars themselves don't come with the seed pod—they'll arrive naturally if the tree is suitable and moths are present.