Last updated: September 9, 2024
Place
Catfish Candy
Christy Hoover
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez, LA
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The Southern Catalpa tree (Catalpa bignonioides) is recognized by large heart shaped leaves, white iris-shaped flowers, and long fruits that resemble slender bean pods. Common names include Catawba, cigar tree, bean tree, and fish bait tree. The leaves are the sole source of food for the caterpillar stage of the sphinx or hawk moth which is prized as fishing bait. The Catalpa trees near the Fishing Camp provided ready access to this bait.