Liriodendron tulipifera- Tulip Poplar
Description
General: A large, stately, pyramidal to broad conical tree growing 70 to 90’ with a spread of 35 to 50’, Reach over 100’ tall in the wild.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, 3 to 8” long and wide with 4 lobes. Bright green leaves turn a vibrant yellow during the fall.
Bark: Grayish brown, ridged and furrowed.
Flowers: 2 to 3” cup shaped, tulip like flowers are yellow with an orange band at the base of each petal. While very ornamental, in mature trees, flowers are easy to overlook as foliage can block view of blooms and tulip trees usually lack dense lower branches.
Fruit: Dry, scaly, oblong, cone shaped brown fruits 2 to 3” long containing winged seeds (samaras).
Attributes: A massive tree suited for parks, golf courses and large properties.
Culture
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Growing Conditions: Prefers moist, organically rich, well drained soils in full sun.
Maintenance: Canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, rots, scale, verticillium wilt and aphids.
Transplanting: Easily transplanted balled and burlapped or container grown with adequate space for root development as well as adequate water supply.
Our Experience
Tulip trees are an incredible large specimen deciduous tree that can be found on campuses, in parks and on commercial and expansive properties all over the north east. ‘Fastigiatum’ (‘Arnold’) is a cultivar growing to half the size of the native with a narrow, upright habit that is a useful form for a landscape not able to accommodate a tree that easily reaches 150’+. Currently, no specimens on Great Hill.