Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree)

Michael's Opinion

A class tree that is under used, where excellent horticultural forms such as 'Fastigiatum' exist. Interesting for large landscapes where the masses of flowers can be viewed at a distance.

Botanical Information

FamilyMagnoliaceae
GenusLiriodendron
Speciestulipifera
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginCarolinian, native as far north in Ontario, Canada as Ipperwash on the shores of Lake Huron. Liriodendron comes from the Greek word 'leirion', which means lily and 'dendron', meaning tree.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5b - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-5 - 5
Heightmore than 12 m
Spreadmore than 8 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ID CharacteristicMitten-like, terminal buds are chestnut-coloured. Large, orange-yellow flowers up to 10 cm across. Leaves are similar in shape to a formal tulip flower.
ShapeTall and narrow, almost pyramidal but becoming more broad canopied with age.
LandscapeSuited to large areas where it will have room to grow, such as parks and institutional grounds. Horticultural forms are more compact and suited to residential uses.
PropagationBy seed stratified at 5°C for 90 days in moist peat.
CultivationGrow in average soil that is well-drained. Transplant in the spring only.
PestsNo serious pests or diseases of note. Aphids and the associated sooty mould can occasionally be a problem.
Notable SpecimensUniversity of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Glendurgan Garden, Falmouth, Cornwall, England. Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
HabitatRiver valleys.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGrey with long, close ridges.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionMitten-shaped, chestnut brown in colour, valvate.
Leaf DescriptionSimple, 8 - 20 cm across with a flat or truncate apex. Bi-lobed, giving the leaf a boxy appearance.
Flower DescriptionLightly scented, orange-yellow, up to 10 cm across, six-petalled.
Fruit DescriptionSimilar to a small cone but composed of individual samaras, 8 cm long, light grey when mature and persisting into the winter months.
Colour DescriptionPale green leaves, lighter on the underside.
Texture DescriptionMedium to fine.

Photographs