These are majestic, rapid growing native shade trees that brighten any landscape with their green/yellow flowers that blush orange on the inside. They are somewhat unusual flowers but rather look like a tulip, which is how they got their common name. This magnificent flowering tree gives out an alluring fragrance which is most pleasant, and the fall foliage is a breath-taking sight of golden orange leaves. These remain from September through to October.



This beautiful tree attracts hummingbirds, orioles, butterflies and honeybees, for starters. Tulip poplars (tulipifera) are tall and stately shade trees; which should be planted a distance from a house as full grown trees have been known to grow as tall as 165' – 190' in places where they are free to grow, however one can expect this native shade tree to reach heights of 70' to 80' around most residential landscapes. [TN Nursery staff will be sure to advise you on the best care to take with your new tree.]

The foliage is deciduous (sheds foliage at end of growing season), but with branches that start high up on the trunk, it makes for a wonderful shade tree. These are very thirsty trees that require regular watering, but must not be overwatered. If you have allergies, the pollen from this tree may cause a reaction.

The tulip poplar is also called tulip tree, but the timber trade likes to call it the yellow poplar. Historically, the hardwood of these trees has been highly desirable for furniture, boats, implements, shingles, fuel as well as pulp. Native Americans used the trunks of tulip poplars for dugout canoes, as well as the famous Daniel Boone who used this wood for his own 60 ft dugout canoe.

Now here is a little historical trivia. When the first Europeans arrived on the North American continent, the tree of choice to ship back to Europe was the tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera. In 1687, in his Leyden home in Sweden, Linnaeus had planted this tree. By 1663, it was in England. A botanist (Colonial era) by the name of John Bartram had began sending wholesale shipments of tree seeds to England in the 1730's. The impressive size and vast range of distribution spurred on the early introduction of this tree.

Captivating in its beauty, the tulip poplar is admired as one drives through the eastern states from the Gulf coast up to the Canadian border. In the state of Arkansas, it is only along Cronwley's Ridge that it is native. In the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, North Carolina, one old growth has an impressive height of 150 feet with over 90 feet of the trunk going up before it reaches the first branch. The circumference of the tree has been measured at over 20 feet. In fact, the tulip poplar is the largest forest tree in the eastern woodlands.

Aphids are natural enemies to the native shade tree. Be sure to check foliage for nymphs, honeydew and other enemies before making a treatment decision. Bayer is often the treatment used, but in 2010 the government is supposed to discontinue its use due to toxicity.

Everything in life has a natural enemy and the beauty of nature does not escape this fact. You can be confident that our horticulturists and knowledgeable staff at TN Nursery will be sure to advise you about the best care for your purchases. Visit our website often for new press releases and updated articles, packed with information.

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