#19
Accession Number: 0019-0000
Common Name: Tulip Tree
Latin Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)
Native Range: Eastern North America
Height: 60–90 feet
Spread: 30–50 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: Yellow with orange band at petal bases
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Light Preference: Full sun
Water Needs: Medium
Notes: Works well as a shade tree, a street tree, a flowering tree; tolerates rabbit, deer, clay soil, wet soil
Description: Tulip Trees, or Tulip Poplars, are large, stately, trees that grow in rich woodlands. They are named and known for the large cup-like, “tulip” flowers spring. The large flowers are creamy yellow, opening to reveal an orange base inside, and although they are 2–3” across, they can go unnoticed because they appear after the leaves have fully emerged. Flowers are followed by scaly, oblong, cone-shaped fruits, filled with winged propeller-like seeds. The distinctive bright green leaves bear a four-lobed shape, which can also be thought to vaguely resemble a tulip. Leaves turn golden yellow in fall. The wood is used for furniture, plywood, boat building, paper pulp, and lumber.
