Common Name: Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar
Botanical Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Plant family: Magnoliaceae
Location: Art Trail, East Terrace Switchback, Orchard Trail, Tulip Tree Trail
Growing zone: 4-9
Height: 70-90 ft.
Spread: 35-50 ft.
Bloom time: May, June
Bloom description: Greenish-yellow with an orange interior.
Leaf type: Large, green leaves reach a diameter of 4-10 in. and give the appearance of a tulip blossom silhouette. The fall adds another interest, as the colors change from green to golden yellow.
Garden uses: This large tree should be given lots of room in your garden. This is a great candidate for a shade tree or can even be used as a large specimen tree. We have used this in our garden to help naturalize areas, as the seeds can sprout easily. It is perhaps most outstanding in large groupings.
Wildlife benefits: Host plant to the promethea moth and eastern tiger swallowtail. Seeds are eaten by quail and songbirds. Honeybees and hummingbirds also visit the flowers.