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 100-150 feet tall, 30-50 feet wide, and an average of 200-250 years⁷.

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) #47658

Tulip tree flower and leaves. @S. Bundage, Lady Bird Wildlflower Center⁹

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 wood⁷. It is typically used for furniture stock, veneer, pulpwood, and boatbuilding⁵. Cabinet-making is another common use⁶.

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. Additionally, the roots are shallow, so the tree can be uprooted easily, especially in its youth⁷.

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 tall⁴!
The tulip poplar is the state tree for Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana¹¹.
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 canoes.

References

Contributed by H. Garcia and A. Ellis

Towson University Glen Arboretum