Discover the Towering Tulip Poplar: A Fast-Growing Native Shade Tree with Unique Flowers
The Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a magnificent native North American tree renowned for its rapid growth and towering height. Reaching 80 to 100 feet, it maintains a narrow oval crown that becomes more spreading with age. This tree features distinctive tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers with orange blotches in mid-spring to early summer, though they may be high in the canopy. Its leaves turn a beautiful gold to yellow in the fall, providing a lovely autumn display. While its wood is somewhat soft, mature trees exhibit good storm resistance. Ideal for large lots and naturalized areas, the Tulip Poplar makes a striking shade tree with a unique character all its own.
Sizes Available
Wholesale Only
1 Gallon
$4.00
3 Gallon
$8.00
A tall Tulip Poplar displays its distinctive lobed leaves and a glimpse of its unique tulip-like flowers high in the canopy.
Scientific Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Common Name: Tuliptree, Tulip-Poplar, Yellow-Poplar
Hardiness Zones: 5A through 9A
Height: 80 to 100 feet
Spread: 30 to 50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to Rapid (faster when young)
Foliage: Spring & Summer: Bright green, distinctive lobed leaves, 4 to 8 inches long, arranged alternately on the branches. Fall: Turns a showy gold to yellow, providing beautiful autumn color.
Bark: Light gray and slightly roughened when young, becoming furrowed with deep brown crevices and tan or white flat-topped ridges with age, offering a textured appearance.
Sun: Full sun is essential for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil: Tolerates a range of soils including clay, sand, and loam; prefers acidic, well-drained to occasionally wet conditions.
Wildlife Value: The tulip-like flowers attract hummingbirds, and the cone-like fruit is eaten by birds, supporting local wildlife. It is also a larval host for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Tuliptree Silkmoth.
Why Choose Tulip Poplar?
Rapid Growth and Impressive Height:
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree, quickly reaching impressive heights of 80 to 100 feet, making it an excellent choice for providing substantial shade in large landscapes. Its tall, straight trunk and eventual spread create a majestic presence.
Unique Tulip-Like Flowers:
In late spring to early summer, this tree produces distinctive, tulip-like flowers that are greenish-yellow with attractive orange blotches. While they may be high up in the canopy, their unique shape and color add an interesting element to the landscape.
Beautiful Golden Fall Color:
Gardeners will appreciate the vibrant golden to yellow fall foliage of the Tulip Poplar, which provides a stunning display of autumn color, particularly pronounced in the northern parts of its range.
Adaptable to Various Soil Conditions:
The Tulip Poplar can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, and prefers acidic conditions with good drainage, showcasing its adaptability to different landscape environments.
Environmental Benefits of Planting Tulip Poplar
This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.
CO2 Offset
A single tulip poplar can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 377 miles.
Water Filtration
A single tulip poplar can absorb enough stormwater to fill 8,346 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.
Removes Air Pollution
A single tulip poplar removes as much air pollution as the weight of 703 smartphones.
Featured Projects
Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of Florida native trees. With an inventory of over 2 million container-grown trees, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of large-scale reforestation, mitigation, and landscaping projects throughout the Southeast region.
Phone
(386) 294-1211
Address
3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066