Liriodendron tulipifera L.

Tulip Poplar; Tulip Tree; Yellow Poplar

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Tulip Poplar is a large native deciduous tree in the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). It is found throughout Alabama. Tulip Poplar grows in coves, in hardwood forests, in ravines, and along creeks and rivers. It is a large tree reaching heights of 120-150 feet. Trunk diameter may exceed 9 feet. The bark is light gray and furrowed. Leaves are petiolate, 2-4 lobed, glabrous, with entire margins. The leaf blades are about as wide as long with 2 apical lobes and 2 lateral lobes near the widest part of the blade. The stipules are large and paired. Flowers are solitary and terminal on shoots. The flowers have 3 green sepals and 6 yellow or greenish yellow petals with a basal orange blotch. There are 20-50 stamens below the 60-100 pistils. The fruit is an elongated “cone” of 2-seeded samaras. Tulip Poplar is commonly available from nurseries. Several horticultural selections are available. Tulip Poplar prefers a moist, organic rich soil and full sun. It is a fast-growing species and is an important timber tree in much of its range.--A. Diamond

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Native

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