Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera

The tulip poplar is a native large deciduous tree that takes its common names from its greenish-yellow heartwood and attractive tulip-like flowers. It is a member of the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae) native to eastern North America. The genus name, Liriodendron, originated from the Greek words leirion, which means "lily", and dendron, meaning "tree,” in reference to the large, showy flowers. The specific epithet means "bearing tulips" and references its form of flowers. 

This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil, full sun, and slightly acidic soil. It is adaptable to a broad range of pH and to partial shade. This tree is sensitive to heat and drought and has a low compaction tolerance. The tulip poplar can be coppiced by cutting it to the ground every two or three years. Doing so will keep the plant shrubby.

This tree is one of the largest native trees in North America. The tulip poplar is found naturally in mesic forests, cove forests at least 1500 feet in elevation, bottomland forests, and swamps. It is found throughout North Carolina and does best in deep, moist soils along streams and lower mountain coves. Native Americans used this tree for building canoes and the inner bark for medicine. It is the State tree of Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. The showy flowers of the tulip poplar are followed by dry, scaly, oblong, cone-shaped brown fruits, which disintegrate (except for the outer “baskets”) into winged fruits. The tree produces an aggregate of overlapping samaras that separate at maturity in the late fall. A distinctive feature is its winter buds, which resemble a duck's bill. The greenish-yellow heartwood does not develop until the tree reaches about 2 feet in diameter. It has been known to reach 200 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 8 to 10 feet. The tulip poplar is a favorite nesting site for birds, and the flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. 

To plant, it needs a large area and does best in natural areas. It can have superb fall color of yellow to golden yellow. It is not recommended for a small residential area or as a street tree. There are many cultivars available, including smaller forms of this plant that are better for smaller spaces. Some less problematic native trees for the home landscape are listed to the left. Use it in a native woodland.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

• large, broad, pyramidal deciduous tree
• winter buds resemble a duck's bill
• leaves alternate, broad truncate apex, 3 to 4 lobes, green, waxy, and smooth on the upper surface, and paler beneath
• tulip-like flower with greenish-yellow petals marked with orange at the base of each petal
• cone-like green to brown fruits that contain samaras.
• twigs have a sweet, spicy scent when broken

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  This plant has pest and disease problems. Pests include scale and aphids. Large aphid infestations result in honeydew secretions on the leaves that provide the growing medium for sooty mold. Verticillium wilt, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spots, and canker are possible diseases.  Fast-growing means they are weak-wooded and susceptible to limb breakage in high winds or from ice/snow.  Shallow root systems do limit the types of plants that may be grown within the drip line. During hot, dry weather, the leaves tend to turn yellow and drop off.  Rabbits eat the buds and inner bark of young trees.

VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping,” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.