Scientific Name
Liriodendron tulipifera
The tulip tree (also known as the tulip poplar or yellow-poplar) is a large tree native to the eastern third of the U.S., where it can grow a very straight trunk to a height of 150 feet or more. In Colorado, a height of 75 feet is more typical; in fact, the current Colorado champion is only 5 feet taller. Tulip tree is the tallest deciduous tree in the forests of the eastern U.S. and is sometimes said to be a frequent victim of lightning strikes. It is a fast-growing tree, which is often associated with relatively weak wood (though it still has uses as timber). The tree also does not have a very long lifespan, so perhaps the alternative epithet “yellow-poplar” — poplar being a short-lived tree — is appropriate.
Tulip tree leaves are rather large and distinctive. Instead of tapering to a point, they are somewhat indented or squared off at the tip. In the fall, the leaves often turn a bright yellow. The flowers are handsome when viewed up close but are not brightly colored, and because they usually occur high in the canopy of taller trees, they often go unnoticed among the large leaves.
Despite the resemblance of the flowers to tulips, the species has no botanical relationship to true tulips. Instead, the tulip tree is closely related to the magnolias, both belonging to plant groups that evolved relatively early in the history of flowering plants. The fruit of the tulip tree is a cone-like structure composed of many winged seeds, which may remain on the tree through winter before dispersing. A useful clue for winter identification is the tree’s elongated buds, which resemble a small duckbill. Evidence of the tulip tree’s popularity is that it serves as the state tree of Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana.