A member of the magnolia family, the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is not actually related to tulips. Rather it is named that for its blooms, which look a lot like tulips and come on in spring or summer. This large tree is often planted as a landscape specimen for its shading qualities and bright blossoms.
The tulip tree is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 or 5 through 9. It is a quick grower, eventually reaching a height of 80 to 90 feet and growing as much as three feet per season. Its spread is considerably smaller, only 30 to 50 feet, giving it an upright oval growth pattern with spreading pyramidal branches. It is a strong tree that can withstand deer and rabbits and will grow in a range of conditions.
The tulip tree’s flowers appear in late spring or early summer, usually sometime between May and June. The blooms last for a month or more. They are mostly yellow or sometimes green, but have an attractive orange band at the base of the petals. Flowers are perfect, meaning they contain both male and female parts and can therefore self-pollinate. The blooms are cup-shaped, like tulips, and 2 inches tall. Although they can cover the tree entirely, they are sometimes hidden by foliage, which has already come on by then.
The tulip tree is a very tolerant specimen and a low-maintenance choice for a specimen tree. It prefers moist, well-drained loams, but will also grow in clay soils. It can grow in both alkaline and acidic pH levels, and though it prefers full sun, it will also grow in partial shade. In mild areas it tolerates seaside growth, and will often live for more than 150 years. Watch out for aphids, which can infest the tree in large quantities and cause honeydew drip, which encourages sooty mold. Other disease susceptibilities include verticillium wilt, mold, mildew and canker.
The tulip tree is often used as a landscape tree, planted alone where it can enjoy full sun and provide good visual interest. Although its blooms may sometimes go unnoticed, the large, palmate green leaves are large and four-lobed, providing good shade and golden yellow fall color. Because limbs grow quickly and are susceptible to breakage in storms, however, this tree is not recommended for street plantings.
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