Liriodendron tulipifera

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Plant
ID 347 Liriodendron tulipifera
Botanic Name Liriodendron tulipifera
Common Name Tulip Tree, Yellow Poplar
Family Name Magnoliaceae
Cultivars 'Aureomarginatum', 'Fastigiatum'
Origin North America, 1663, Zone 4-10
Growth Type Tree
Bark Type Tessellated
Foliage Type Deciduous Water Use Medium
No. of Species 2
Growth Habit Conical / Pyramidal Growth Rate Medium
Height 18 - 28 m (60 - 93 ft) Spread 10 m (33 ft)
Plant Overview
This large deciduous tree has a stout trunk with ascending branches that form a pyramidal to conical habit. It has dark green lobed leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn and the orange marked, green cup-shaped flowers appear singularly during spring.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Lobed
The 100 mm long leaves have 4 pointed lobes with truncate apex and a slightly cordate base with a petiole up to 100 mm (4 in) long. In autumn the leaves turn golden yellow before falling. The terminal reddish buds are up to 12 mm (1/2 in) long.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Glossy dark green
Size 80 - 100 mm ( 3.1 - 3.9 in )
Flower
Perfume Faint Additional Information
Shape Cyathiform
The tree must be semi mature before it flowers. The cyathiform flower is a primitive structure with 6 petals that are up to 37 mm (1 1/2 in) long and are green with orange markings on the inside. They are accompanied by 3 reflexed sepals.
Inflorescence Solitary
Colour Yellow - green
Size 45 - 65 mm ( 1.8 - 2.6 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Cone Additional Information
Colour Green - brown
The 70 mm (2 2/3 in) conical fruit are erect brown and woody (cone-like) and contains numerous winged seeds with only a few that are viable. The fruit is persistent on the tree throughout winter. The plant may be reproduced vegetatively.
Edible No
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 65 - 70 mm ( 2.6 - 2.8 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Deep moist well drained clay-gravelly loam, tending acid, pH 4.5-7.5
Container Not normally grown as a container plant, bonsai subject
Climate Cold - cool temperate
Aspect Full sun-semi shade open position, frost-cold tolerant, drought tender
Pest & Diseases Canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, wilt, aphids, scale, sooty mold
Fertiliser Mulch and keep moist during summer when young
Pruning Train to a single leader when young, the crown can be lifted by removing lower branches
Cultural Uses Propagation
The Tulip Tree is grown for its flowers and autumn foliage colour. It is planted in parks or large gardens as a lawn specimen for shade or planted along borders. It is suitable for low-mountain regions and establishes in 3 to 6 years.
Stratify seeds for 2 to 3 months during winter in peat and sow seeds in pots and place them in a cold frame to germinate. Take cuttings during spring and placed them on a misting bench with bottom heat.
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