Go Back Tulip Tree

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:34 PM
Liriodendron tulipifera
    Deer Resistant Icon

    Plant Type: Deciduous Trees

    Named for the appearance of its showy flowers and the silhouette of its large leaves, both of which resemble tulips. It is also known as Tulip Poplar and Yellow Poplar, in reference to the fluttering of its leaves like those of the Poplars, and for the yellow colors of both its flowers and fall foliage.

    Tuliptree is the tallest tree of eastern forests with the straightest trunks, achieving heights of well over 100 feet with 4 foot diameters, when not prematurely harvested. It frequents moist woodlands and edges of fields, especially on downslopes where water drains. Its lightweight wood, often used as a base for veneer, is straight-grained, relatively soft for a hardwood, and has a faded olive-green color.

    Native throughout most of the Eastern United States, it quickly reaches a height of 80 feet and a width of 40 feet, but it can grow much taller. As a member of the Magnolia Family, it is related to the Magnolias (including Cucumbertree) and the only other Tuliptree (Chinese Tuliptree).

    Planting Requirements – Tuliptree prefers moist but well-drained, slightly acidic, deep, rich soils, but adapts to average, drier soils of neutral to alkaline pH. It is one of the fastest growing shade trees, achieving leaps of two to three feet per year in youth, when it has a symmetrical, pyramidal outline. As with all members of the Magnolia Family, it is fleshy-rooted without many root hairs, and prefers being transplanted in early spring, rather than autumn. It grows in full sun to partial sun, and is found in zones 4 to 9.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Flower Color

    yellow/green/orange

    Foliage Color

    gree/yellow

    Plant Spread

    40 feet

    Good Companions

    —

    Plant Height

    80 feet

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    4-9

    Soil Moisture

    moist

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    —

    Bloom Time

    May - June

    Critter Resistance

    —

    Exposure

    Full Sun

    Growth Rate

    Fast

    Seasonal Interests

    Spring & Fall