Tulip Tree | Glen Arboretum

Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera L.

Description

Tulip tree, also known as yellow poplar and tulip poplar, is a fast-growing eudicot with a long, straight trunk^1,2. It is commonly referred to as the tulip poplar or yellow poplar because of its pale to golden yellow flowers that resemble tulips³. These flowers are nearly two inches long, have orange at the base, are aromatic, and can be up to 50 feet off the ground⁴. The tree has simple leaves with an alternate arrangement on the branch⁵. Leaves are pinnately veined, 3-6 inches long, distinctive lobes, a flat base, and two triangular tips^4,6. The leaves grow on the tree in an oval pattern when the tree is mature⁷. This species blooms in mid spring². The fruit has winged seeds, is brown and cone-shaped and can be harvested in the fall⁸. The tulip tree prefers full sun, has low drought tolerance, and is mostly planted for ornamental purposes. The tree thrives in a slightly acidic soil, pH range of 4.5 to 7.5⁵. In typical conditions, this species is one of the tallest trees in the deciduous forest can grow up to 200 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 12 feet, and an age of 300 years.

Leaves of tulip tree. J. Brighton, Maryland Plant Atlas⁹

Tulip tree flower. Wikimedia ¹⁰

Distribution

The tulip tree can be found in the east and southeast United States, as well as southeast Canada¹. This species prefers moderately moist, deep, well-drained soil in low, rich woods or along stream banks and can be found throughout Maryland².

Distribution of tulip poplar. Wickimedia¹⁰

Wildlife Importance

The flowers attract hummingbirds, and give them a place to nest. They also attract honeybees and butterflies^2,7. The tree also feeds finches, cardinals, quail, mice, and many types of squirrels⁴.

Economic Importance

Because the tree is fast growing and produces light, soft, brittle, and weak wood, it has a tendency to be planted for reforestation efforts. This species sheds its lower branches rapidly, making it a useful timber wood¹. It is typically used for furniture stock, veneer, pulpwood, and boatbuilding⁵. Cabinet-making is another common use⁶. The flowers of a 20-year old tree can produce up to 4 pounds of nectar ⁷.

Threats

Because of the tree’s malleable wood, exposed portions of the trunk are easily susceptible to wind and ice damage⁵. A young tree may have its buds and inner bark eaten by rabbits. Aphid infestations are also a common issue. They cause honeydew to drip onto leaves, giving mold a place to grow. Verticillium wilt, mold, mildew, and canker are also known problems for the tree⁶.

Interesting Facts

The yellow poplar is not a poplar at all. It is actually a tree in the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae)¹.
Native Americans used to use the inner bark for medicinal purposes. It was known for its antiarthritic properties, as well as being a cholera remedy, and a cough syrup².
George Washington planted tulip trees at Mount Vernon. These trees are now over 140 feet tall!⁴
The tulip poplar is the state tree for Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana³.
In Tennessee, the tulip polar is sometimes called ‘canoe wood’ because of the reference to pioneers and their usage of the tree to make houses, barns, and canoes⁸.

References

Contributed by H. Garcia and A. Ellis

Towson University Glen Arboretum