Liriodendron tulipifera

Common Names

Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar, Whitewood, Fiddletree

Summary

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar, or yellow poplar, is a tall North American deciduous hardwood in the Magnolia family. Typically 70–120 feet tall with a narrow to broad crown, it grows rapidly on deep, moist, well-drained soils and is shade-intolerant, thriving in full sun. Leaves are tulip-shaped, 3–8 inches across, with bright golden yellow fall color; spring flowers are greenish-yellow and tulip-like, followed by upright cone-shaped fruit clusters of wind-dispersed samaras. The wood is widely used for lumber, veneer, plywood, pulpwood, and furniture.

It tolerates a range of soils from clay to loam and sand, with pH tolerance roughly 4.5–8.2, and shows moderate drought tolerance; it is best used as a large shade or specimen tree in spacious landscapes, away from power lines and buildings, as its height and form require ample space. Pests include tuliptree aphids and tuliptree scales; diseases such as cankers, leaf spots, and rot pathogens may occur, with vigor and irrigation helping reduce issues. The species provides nectar for pollinators, serves as a host for several moths, and seeds and foliage feed wildlife; several cultivars exist, including Aureo-marginatum, Aureomaculatum, Fastigiatum, and Pyramidale, though not commonly found in all markets.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

840-1440 inches

Spread

30-50 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loam with slightly acidic to neutral pH (approximately 4.5–8.2).

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

4.5-8.2, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Yellow to yellow-green with orange accents.

Bloom Time

Late Spring to Early Summer

Foliage Color

Green, turning golden yellow in fall.

Fall Foliage Color

Golden yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing, more than 24 inches per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Softwood cuttings, Stump sprouts

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds