**1. Cigar Tree Nickname** Catalpa's seed pods look like dangling cigars or green beans (up to 20 inches long!)earning it names like Cigar Tree or Indian Bean Tree. These pods stay Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) organically grown flower seeds. Floral Encounters. While catalpa trees are not generally considered highly toxic, some parts of the tree, particularly the roots, are known to be poisonous according to the USDA Plants Database. The leaves and seed pods Catalpa Trees: Unique Features, Uses, and Personal Experiences How to Grow Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa) at Home