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Tulip tree

A particularly distinctive tree with leaves like no other. It is named after the shape of its flower.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as	Yellow poplar
Generic name	Tulip Tree
Latin name	Liriodendron tulipifera
Family name	Magnolia
Latin family name	Magnoliaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	15-30m

Leaf

Description	Young leaves are almost square but develop two distinct lobes at the base. The tip of the leaf looks like it has been cut off but with a slight notch shape.
Shape	Odd
Colour	Mid green
Colour of leaves in autumn	Yellow to gold and then mid brown
Leaf bud	Buds are on short stalks and are flattened in shape
Leaf stalk	Long stalk
Leaf arrangement	Alternate

Flower, seed, and fruit

Flowering season	Early summer
Fruit colour	Brown
Type of seed body	Large winged seed/key
Seeds dispersed by	Wind

Bark and twig

Bark description	Grey with criss-crossing ridges
Twig Description	Green shoots

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Non-native - introduced
Where is its natural range?	North America from Novas Scotia to Florida
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Tolerates a range of conditions but prefers warmer areas
What is its British conservation status?	Frequent

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber	Planted in parks and gardens, generally for its beautiful flower which does look a great deal like a tulip!

Tree shape

The leaves

Twig example

The bark

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

BritishTrees

©2012 The Woodland Trust