Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip tree
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Liriodendron tulipifera

tulip tree

Magnoliaceae

Eastern North America from southern Ontario and Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Arkansas; canopy dominant in rich moist bottomland and upland forests

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height60–90 feet (18–27 m)
Width30–50 feet (9–15 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

A large to very large deciduous tree reaching 60–90 feet (18–27 m) tall and 30–50 feet (9–15 m) wide, native to eastern North America and valued for its distinctive foliage, architectural form, and late-spring flowers. Leaves uniquely 4-lobed with a distinctively flattened or notched tip, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) wide. Mature trees produce tulip-shaped flowers 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) across in May–June — pale yellow-green with an orange band — borne high in the canopy. Fall color a clear uniform butter-yellow. A rapid grower requiring ample space. Highly attractive to bees and hummingbirds when in flower. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.

Native Range

Liriodendron tulipifera is native to eastern North America from southern Ontario and Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Arkansas, growing as a canopy dominant in rich moist bottomland and upland forests. One of the largest native eastern North American trees, reaching 120–165 feet (37–50 m) in old-growth stands.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, avenue tree, or large-scale shade tree at 30–50 foot (9–15 m) spacing where ample space is available. The distinctive 4-lobed leaf shape, clear butter-yellow fall color, and May–June tulip flowers make it one of the most distinctive and architecturally impressive large deciduous trees for Pacific Northwest parks, campuses, and large residential properties. One of only two species in the genus — closely related to Magnolia.

How to Identify

Immediately identified by the unique 4-lobed leaf shape with a distinctive flat or notched (not pointed) tip — unlike any other commonly grown deciduous tree. Leaves 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) wide, bright green, turning clear butter-yellow in fall. Straight columnar trunk with gray furrowed bark in maturity. Tulip-shaped pale yellow-green flowers with an orange basal band in May–June on mature trees (first flowering at 10–15 years). Dry elongated cone-like fruit clusters 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long persist through winter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height60' - 90'
Width/Spread30' - 50'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
green
orange

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
gold

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Produces tulip-shaped flowers 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) across in May–June on mature trees (typically first flowering at 10–15 years). Flowers pale yellow-green with an orange-yellow band — ornamentally attractive but often visible only when flowers fall to the ground. Rich in nectar and highly attractive to bumblebees and hummingbirds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Tulip-shaped, 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) across; pale yellow-green with orange-yellow band at the base of each petal; borne high in canopy on mature trees

Foliage Description

Unique 4-lobed shape with a distinctive flattened or notched tip, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) wide, bright glossy green through summer; clear uniform butter-yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20–30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, deep, fertile soil. Does not tolerate shallow soils, prolonged drought, or waterlogging. Space 30–50 feet (9–15 m) apart. Water regularly during establishment and through dry Pacific Northwest summers for the first 3–5 years. Relatively rapid grower — 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year under good conditions. Requires ample space — one of the largest deciduous trees commonly available.

Pruning

Maintain a strong central leader when young. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid pruning large branches — wounds heal slowly. Formative pruning in the first 5 years ensures strong branch architecture.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef