Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Tulip Tree, or Yellow Poplar, is the tallest of North American hardwood. In the early history of the United States, giants 200 feet tall or more were commonly found. The natural range is throughout the eastern United States to the Mississippi River and south to the middle of Florida.

It is the state tree of Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. It is found in many great gardens around the world and George Washington so admired this tree he planted them at Mount Vernon.

Tulip Trees are easily recognized by their distinctive leaves, which have four lobes. The golden-yellow fall color of the tulip-tree makes this an excellent choice for large landscapes. 

The Tulip Tree is a member of the magnolia family and is named and is named for its tulip-like flowers that bloom in spring. Flowers are yellow with an orange band at the base of each petal. Although the flowers are 2” in length, they often go unnoticed on large trees because the flowers appear after the leaves are fully developed. Tulip Tree do not begin to bloom until they are at least 15 years old and become magnificent specimens after 100 years.

Flowers are followed by dry, scaly, oblong, cone-shaped brown fruits, each bearing numerous winged seeds. Four-lobed bright green leaves turn golden yellow in fall.

Tulip Tree wood is easy to work and commonly used for cabinet and furniture framing. inexpensive furniture, described simply as “hardwood”, is often stained Tulip Tree.