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Overview
Liriodendron tulipifera is tulip tree (tulip poplar), a large upright deciduous tree growing 60-90 feet (18-27 m) tall and 30-50 feet (9-15 m) wide with a straight columnar trunk. Uniquely 4-lobed leaves with a flat or notched apex (tulip-shaped), 3-8 inches (7-20 cm) across. Yellow-green tulip-shaped flowers 2 inches (5 cm) with an orange band at the petal base in May-June — the flowers appear high in the canopy and are not visible from ground level until the tree is 15+ years old. Turns yellow to gold in fall. Cone-shaped aggregate fruit 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). In Magnoliaceae. Native to eastern North America — one of the tallest eastern hardwoods. Aphids produce honeydew that drips from the canopy creating sticky residue and sooty mold below. Not drought-tolerant — inner leaves yellow and drop in dry summer conditions. The very large mature size is the primary space limitation. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America — from Ontario and Massachusetts south to Florida, west to Wisconsin and Arkansas. Found in rich moist cove forests, bottomlands, and mesic slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade tree in large landscapes, parks, and open lawns spaced 30-50 feet (9-15 m). Fast-growing. Unique leaf shape. Yellow fall color. Not for small lots. Aphid honeydew litter. Native to North America. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 90'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May-June). Yellow-green tulip-shaped flowers 2 inches (5 cm) with an orange band at the petal base. High in canopy — not visible from ground on young trees. 2 weeks of bloom. Bee- and hummingbird-visited. Cone-shaped aggregate fruit follows.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow-green with an orange band at the petal base, tulip-shaped, 2 inches (5 cm) diameter, cup-shaped; high in the canopy on mature treesFoliage Description
Medium green, uniquely 4-lobed with a flat or notched apex (tulip-shaped), 3-8 inches (7-20 cm) across; turns yellow to gold in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Deep well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant — inner leaves drop in dry conditions. Aphid honeydew drips from canopy — do not park cars or place seating below. Very large (60-90 feet / 18-27 m) — requires ample space. Prune in late winter (February-March). Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March). Develop a single central leader when young — the straight columnar trunk is natural. Remove dead, crossing, or low-hanging branches. The canopy lifts naturally with age.Pruning Schedule
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early spring