Question
I live in the Hudson Valley and there are a lot of "bean" trees here. They have a large heart shaped leaf, usually white flowers in the spring, and grow a seed pod. The seed pod is usually 1/2" in diameter and about 10-12" long. However no one I've spoken to seems to know the real name of the tree. Could you help me out?

Answer
Hi Dennis,
Thanx for your question.  I think you're referring to the catalpa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=catalpa&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab...

This tree is also called "cigar tree" by some in the Midwest.

In the summer this tree is flush with beautiful white flowers.  The leaves help make this tree a great shade tree.  I hope this helps.
Tom