Tulip Poplar

Scientific Name: Liriodendron Tulipifera

Height: 80 ft

Width: 40 ft

Growing rate: Fast (growing more than 24 inches per year)

Leaf color: Light greenish-yellow that changes to golden yellow in the fall

Attributes

Tulip poplars are shade trees that can live up to 300 years! In the late spring, they can produce flowers that resemble tulips that are up to 2.5 inches in diameter, but this only happens after about 15 years. The flowers typically bloom in mid-spring. 

How to care for a successful tree

Tulip poplar trees need full sun when they are first planted. It can tolerate dry to wet soil, although it should be noted they have a low drought tolerance.

Fun Facts

  • Tulip poplar trees are often used for reforestation purposes

  • The flowers on a 20-year-old tree can produce up to 4 pounds of nectar

  • They are not actually a poplar but in the Magnolia family

  • The inner bark of the tulip poplar was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.

Wildlife

Host plant to 21 different species of butterflies including the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Tulip poplars are also a favorite nesting site for birds and attract American goldfinches, cardinals, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers. 

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