Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), aka yellow poplar and tulip tree, is a large stately deciduous tree of eastern North America (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). This fast growing native typically grows 60-90 feet tall and it is not unusual to see tulip trees over 100 feet. It is also an important timber tree.

A member of the magnolia family, flowers attract large numbers of bees. Ornate 2-inch-wide goblet-shaped flowers are yellow with an orange band at the base of each petal. Most flowers go unnoticed, hidden among the 8- inch-wide leaves that emerge a week or two prior to bloom. Dry, scaly, cone-shaped brown fruits follow, each bearing numerous winged seeds. In some years (not all), bright green tulip shaped foliage turns golden yellow in fall.

Young tulip poplars grow with a pyramidal form and mature with a broad rounded canopy. Mature trees may reach 4-6 feet in trunk diameter, rising column-like and devoid of lower branches. Tulip poplars grow rapidly and become too big for an average residential property. In general, branches are not weak wooded in the early years, but weighty branches on older trees tend to snap off branches in wind and ice storms. Surface roots grow in lawns and tend to uplift sidewalks in urban areas.

Overall tree size becomes too menacing to many homeowners. Young tulip poplars grow with a pyramidal form and mature with a broad rounded canopy. Trunks of mature trees may reach 4-6 feet in diameter, usually rising column-like and devoid of lower branches. Tulip poplars grow rapidly and become too big for an average residential property. Branches are not weak wooded in the early years, but weighty branches on older trees tend to snap off branches in wind and ice storms. Its shallow root system competes in turf areas and likely will uplift sidewalks in urban areas.

Although not prone to serious disease and insect problems, leaves may be plagued by sap feeding aphids which exude sticky sap over decks, patios and cars beneath. Over a dry summer tulip tree may shed up to one-third of their leaves, perhaps abit messy for some homeowners.   Shallow root systems compete with most kinds of plants planted within its drip line. During hot, dry weather the leaves tend to turn yellow and drop off. 

Not prone to serious disease and insect problems, leaves may be plagued by sap feeding aphids which exude sticky sap over decks, patios and cars beneath. Over a dry summer tulip tree may shed up to one-third of their leaves, perhaps abit messy for some homeowners. Tuliptree provides food and shelter for insect pollinators. including hummingbirds and small critters.

Leading cultivars:

‘Arnold’ – columnar 50 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide

Majestic™ (‘Aureomarginatum’) – 75 feet tall tree with green leaves variegated edged with yellow margins

‘Little Volunteer’ – compact 30-35 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide

Emerald City™ (‘JFS-Oz’) upright oval shape to 55 feet high and 25 feet wide