SafePlants

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

The genus Liriodendron consists of two species of large deciduous trees belonging to the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). The trees are known by the common name tulip tree or tuliptree because of their tulip-shaped flowers. Liriodendron tulipifera is native to the Western Hemisphere. Other common names include American tulip tree, tulip poplar, whitewood, fiddle-tree, and yellow poplar.

The other species in this genus is Liriodendron chinense, or Chinese tulip tree, which is a smaller-flowered native of China.

Liriodendron tulipifera is known as one of the tallest hardwood trees in eastern North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the African tulip tree, which is identified as invasive in Fiji.

Considerations for Children

• No specific considerations for children were explicitly mentioned in the text.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Liriodendron
• Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia family)
• Liriodendron tulipifera: Tulip tree, American tulip tree, tuliptree, tulip poplar, whitewood, fiddle-tree, yellow poplar
• Liriodendron chinense: Chinese tulip tree

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America.
• Specifically mentioned as native in Ontario, Canada.
• Can be grown in zone 4 with appropriate genetic material selection.

Ecological Role

• The African tulip tree is mentioned as an invasive species in Fiji.

Morphological Characteristics

• Deciduous trees.
• Characteristically large.
• Vigorous growth habit.
• Attractively lobed leaves that turn butter-yellow in autumn.
• Tulip-shaped flowers, green and orange in color, appear in summer.
• Can grow up to 35 meters tall, with a trunk up to 160 centimeters in diameter.
• Typically grows 60-90 feet tall (less frequently to 150 feet) with a pyramidal to oval crown.
• Flowers bloom in May and June, producing tulip-shaped flowers 1-2 inches.
• Aromatic twigs.
• Yellowish wood.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Susceptible to tuliptree scale, one of the largest soft scale insects in the United States.

Resources and Further Information

• UC IPM (University of California Integrated Pest Management) provides information about managing pests of tulip trees.
• Kew Gardens has a tulip tree dating back to the 1770s.