They aren't edible, but some people report that they can be used to keep moles out of your yard.
Bignonia Catalpa
Catalpa - The Indian Bean Tree
Catalpa bean pods are not typically considered edible for humans and can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. While some animals may eat the pods without ill effects, they contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress in humans. It's best to avoid eating catalpa bean pods and stick to more widely recognized edible plants.
It could be a Catalpa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa).
Japanese Empress Tree or Paulownia tomentosa
Catalpa speciosa is the Latin name for the Northern Catalpa
The Catalpa beans are not edible, but have several uses. Indians used many parts of the tree for medicines and some say they can be used to keep moles out of a yard.
Catalpas are not Legumes, as I thought for many years. They are low-level N fixers, but belong in the family Bignoniaceae.
the Northern Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
Catalpa ovata was created in 1837.
Catalpa is a family of beautiful late-summer flowering trees mostly low and spreading in habit. Older trees bear panicles of foxglove like flowers . Do not plant in exposed areas as the large leaves will shred with the wind. The variety bignonioides, the Indian Bean tree is one of the best.