Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera 
Tulip tree, also called yellow-poplar or tulip-poplar, is one of the tallest and most beautiful eastern hardwoods; with a tall, straight trunk, narrow crown and large showy flowers that resemble tulips. In Missouri it is found naturally on moist, well-drained soils in the southeast part of the state, but it has been planted widely as an ornamental.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 85 ft
- Spread
- 40 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 6" - 10" long with 4 main lobes; base broad, tip a broad notch; edges smooth, dark yellow-green
- Flowers
- large, showy, 1 l/2" - 2" wide, tulip-like; light orange, yellow and green
- Fruit
- winged seed l/2" - 2" long, clustered around an upright cone 3" long
- Bark
- thin, light gray with white showing between shallow grooves; older bark deeply furrowed
- Associated species
- white ash, northern red oak, flowering dogwood, white oak
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, partial sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products, windbreaks
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
