Question
MY SISTER HAS BROUGHT A CIGAR FROM A CATAWBA TREE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA AND WAS GOING TO PLANT THE CIGAR AND HOPES TO GET A TREE FROM IT. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THEY CONTAIN SEEDS AND WILL IT GROW DOWN HERE AND THE SAME CATERPILLARS WILL GET ON THE TREE? THANK YOU

Answer
The trees do not actually "bear worms" but they are attacked by the Sphinx Moth and the caterpillars will eat the leaves. Some Catawba trees are for some reason not attacked. For this reason IF you want the worms I would suggest that you get seed from a tree that is attacked OR dig up seedling from under a tree that is attacked. Here is a web link that talks about Catawba and growing "worms". http://www.urbanforestrysouth.org/Resources/Library/Citation.2004-07-19.0638/fil

The seed pods are collected after they turn brown. Let them dry and split open exposing the seeds within. Sow the seed in a good potting soil about 1/8 inch deep and keep moist but not wet. After they sprout let them grow until they are about 4 -6 inch tall and transplnat them into pot with two or three plants per pot. Grow until about 10-12 inches tall and then transplant to where you want them to grow. Portect the new trees from mowing with mulch.
Not sure where "down here is' but they will grow South of S.C. as far south as the tip of Florida.