Liriodendron Species, Tulip Poplar, Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Family: | Magnoliaceae |
Genus: | Liriodendron (ly-ree-oh-DEN-dron) (Info) |
Species: | tulipifera (too-lip-EE-fer-uh) (Info) |
Synonym: | Liriodendron tulipifera var. acutilobum |
Synonym: | Liriodendron tulipifera f. aureomarginatum |
Synonym: | Liriodendron tulipifera f. fastigiatum |
Synonym: | Liriodendron tulipifera var. fastigiatum |
Synonym: | Liriodendron tulipifera var. flava |

Category:
Trees
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Deciduous
Foliage Color:
Medium Green
Height:
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing:
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
Where to Grow:
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Danger:
Pollen may cause allergic reaction
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Other details:
This Plant is Least Concern (LC)
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Atmore, Alabama
Eclectic, Alabama
Fairhope, Alabama
Georgiana, Alabama
Semmes, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Vincent, Alabama
Canoga Park, California
Eureka, California
Fontana, California
Merced, California
Oakland, California
Pomona, California
San Jose, California
Santa Rosa, California
Denver, Colorado
Grand Junction, Colorado
Oakville, Connecticut
Seaford, Delaware
Alford, Florida
Keystone Heights, Florida
Lake City, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Clarkesville, Georgia
Dacula, Georgia
Rincon, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Villa Rica, Georgia
Wilder, Idaho
Cary, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Fairfield, Illinois
Flossmoor, Illinois
Hinsdale, Illinois
Greenfield, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Madison, Indiana
Michigan City, Indiana
New Carlisle, Indiana
Tell City, Indiana
Wheatfield, Indiana
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Lawrence, Kansas
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Barbourville, Kentucky
Benton, Kentucky
Ewing, Kentucky
Farmington, Kentucky
Hi Hat, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Mc Dowell, Kentucky
New Orleans, Louisiana
Zachary, Louisiana
Biddeford, Maine
Sumner, Maine
Brookeville, Maryland
Dunkirk, Maryland
Elkton, Maryland
Owings, Maryland
Potomac, Maryland
Prince Frederick, Maryland
Rockville, Maryland
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Valley Lee, Maryland
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Roslindale, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Ann Arbor, Michigan
South Saint Paul, Minnesota
Gulfport, Mississippi
Waynesboro, Mississippi
Brunswick, Missouri
Martinsburg, Missouri
Piedmont, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri(2 reports)
Clementon, New Jersey
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Neptune, New Jersey
Copiague, New York
Croton On Hudson, New York
Hamburg, New York
Nyack, New York
Asheville, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Elon College, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Wilsons Mills, North Carolina
Cincinnati, Ohio(2 reports)
Cleveland, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Glouster, Ohio
Guysville, Ohio
Lancaster, Ohio
Tallmadge, Ohio
Vinton, Ohio
Xenia, Ohio
Hulbert, Oklahoma
Jay, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cheshire, Oregon
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Mount Angel, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Dover, Pennsylvania
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Millersburg, Pennsylvania
Morrisville, Pennsylvania
Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Tidioute, Pennsylvania
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Campobello, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Conway, South Carolina
Hampton, South Carolina
North Charleston, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Summerville, South Carolina
Sumter, South Carolina
Clarksville, Tennessee
Collierville, Tennessee
Harriman, Tennessee
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Lenoir City, Tennessee
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Pulaski, Tennessee
Arlington, Texas
Belton, Texas
Pointblank, Texas
Willis, Texas
Orem, Utah
Blacksburg, Virginia
Chantilly, Virginia
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Raphine, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Ruther Glen, Virginia
Suffolk, Virginia
Sugar Grove, Virginia
Troy, Virginia
Bellingham, Washington
Falling Waters, West Virginia
Cambridge, Wisconsin
Delavan, Wisconsin
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
New Berlin, Wisconsin
New Glarus, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
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Positive | On Dec 15, 2019, RandyAllen from White House, TN wrote: Nice tree. I’ve seen some beauties in the wild of Smoky Mountains National Park. A few trails have uncut pockets of land, like Ramsey Cascades, Albright Trail, Porter Creek Trail, etc. You don’t see the giants till 2.5 to 3 miles in though. Up to 7’ dbh and 180’ tall. The biggest was on a Cade’s Cove Trail called Gregory Bald Trail, but it died way back when I was 40 or so. I planted my first in 1968, in Nashville, Tennessee, which would now be 4’ through and over 100’ tall, but a successive landowner cut it a while back. I kept growth records back in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. It grew very fast in its first 8 years (without fertilization or watering). 3 to 5 feet was common but 5 to 7 feet per year was recorded a few years. By 1988 (20 yo) it was 66’ tall and 20” dbh. Height gr... read more |
Positive | On Jun 4, 2016, saplicker from West Henrietta, NY wrote: While walking in the park one day, I happened upon a yellow poplar along the side of a trail. I reached up to pick one of the blossoms and my hand came away sticky with sap. Being the curious fellow that I am, I decided to taste the sap. Lo and behold it was delicious! it has a sweet, almost honey-like flavor with an earthy aftertaste. The sap would be a delightful complement to a nice acorn salad or even a cool refreshing iced spruce tea. |
Positive | On Jun 24, 2014, chuffle from Punxsutawney, PA wrote: The tulip poplar is my number two favorite tree (the American Elm ranks first)! I live in west-central Pennsylvania on 68 acres of land, 60 acres of which are woods. Tulip poplars grow throughout my woods, and when I walk through the woods I'm always careful, lest I trample the many seedlings that grow in the vicinity of the parent trees. One specimen towers above all of the other trees in the woods, and I see it daily in my comings and goings. I call it the sentinel. |
Positive | On Mar 11, 2014, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: This is a majestic shade tree, with a long straight bole when woodland-grown, developing a wide-spreading crown when grown as a specimen. Two grand specimens planted by Thomas Jefferson flank Monticello today. |
Neutral | On Jan 9, 2014, inQld from Brisbane, I have grown the Liriodendron in two countries. |
Positive | On May 17, 2013, RiaP from Oakville, CT wrote: May 17, 2013 I have three 32 year old Tuliptrees that not only survived a tornado when they were 12 foot saplings in 1989, but aside from losing dead branches during storms, I have never considered them fragile or brittle. My Silver Maple is far more fragile in the gale force winds we get up on this hill. I have a fine Tuliptree specimen by the driveway that is just beautiful. I raised all three from tiny seedlings and have a one year old seedling the one by the driveway tossed last year. In our zone I am not certain if the seedlings survive well since this is the 1st in the 17 years this tree has been flowering. Also on your list of where this plant is found-Connecticut is not there and should be. My 3 were born in Monroe Ct and reside in Watertown CT--zone 5. |
Positive | On Jun 6, 2012, Hikaro_Takayama from Fayetteville, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: This is one of my favorite native trees: It is a source of fine wood (Yellow Poplar), has interesting leaves, pretty flowers and interesting seed pods. |
Positive | On May 6, 2012, Bsclub11 from Elon, NC wrote: Great tree! I have 3 100ft+ ones in my front yard. Beautiful, and provide so much shade, but be prepared to wash your cars if they are near them. The branches break fairly easily, but overall very strong. My trees have survived many windstorms and a tornado! |
Negative | On Jan 23, 2012, huntnlabs from Xenia, OH wrote: A house I bought had a tulip tree growing next to the driveway. It was a beautifully shaped tree and the flowers were very striking. But, the sap it dripped was terrible. It covered the cars with sap and mad a mess. Never plant one near where your vehicles will be parked. The wind will carry the sap around the area too. Hated that tree for the sap mess on my vehicles. |
Positive | On Jan 23, 2012, trudeman from Gallatin Gateway, MT wrote: Used to live in southern MD (Calvert County) where these trees grow huge. TP Flowers make a wonderful supply of nectar for bees, and the honey is dark brown like molasses. One tree equals one acre of clover. BTW, Calvert County has a remaining living stand of American Chestnut trees down along the Chesapeake Bay in a place called Scientists Cliffs. They are in a protected cove, sheltered from land breezes and somehow have avoided the Chestnut blight. They are huge trees, over 100 ft tall. Amazing sight! |
Positive | On Sep 21, 2011, genuinerisk from Brooksburg, IN wrote: Beautiful tree, but still looking for answers about raining sap! I'm on a city street... my tree is a few feet from my front door, in a square of earth surrounded by pavement. It hasn't buckled the sidewalk as much as other large trees do, and I've had to beg the city not to cut it down twice during the past 16 years (it is the last large tree on my block). Every year, it has bloomed, shaded my house from midday to sunset, and quickly dropped its big yellow leaves. This spring, and continuing to the present (Sept.), it has absolutely rained sap - for the 1st time since I bought this house in '95. Light, tacky, that can actually be felt as a spray! Wasps, bees, hornets, horseflies (& moths at night) all congregate on my little sap-covered car (it does wash off with a little effort & a lot ... read more |
Positive | On Aug 30, 2011, Slikebutta from Grand View-on-Hudson, NY wrote: We have about 50 or 60 of these very fine specimens on our land, 4 acres, in Nyack, NY. These trees are spectacular - 12 of them are absolutely huge! We guestimate they are close to 120 feet tall! Many of our neighbors cut down their tulips for the sake of a view of the Hudson River, but we love our beautiful trees. The trees flower every year. Thre canopy is dense, giving full shade to the forest floor. We notice though that if the slightest sun gets through, another tulip sapling shoots up seemingly overnight. We love it. I have posted picture(s)..... |
Positive | On Aug 17, 2011, tuliptreeladi from Wheatfield, IN wrote: my son brought home a twig of a tree in elementary school, we planted it, and we have not been dissapointed yet, it did get the sticky stuff, but i sprayed it and it went away, it did start blooming after the seven years, the most beautiful tree, it stands about 35 feet tall, indiana has had their share of severe storms this summer, and this tulip tree endured every one of them, if i had space for another i would plant it, i have recently found the seed pods, going to try to start some just for the fun of it. i highly recommend this tree.... |
Positive | On Jul 2, 2011, Betsy1388 from Tallmadge, OH wrote: Live East of Akron, OH. There is HUGE Tulip Tree on the property line belonging to a neighbor. It is a very impressive tree. I wanted a tree in my yard to provide shade from Western sun, so about 9 years ago, after a lot of research, I decided to put in my own TT. This is on the opposite side of the front yard from the neighboring tree. |
Neutral | On Jul 2, 2011, BadgerJim from Eau Claire, WI wrote: I believe I am pushing the limits of hardiness on my tulip tree, being I am in zone 4a. It buds out quite late and scares me each spring. My tree was about 18 foot tall last summer when a very windy storm took off the top 5 foot of new leader growth. It adds more growth than any tree I've everhad once it became established. Mine is 6 years old and has yet to bloom. I've read all the comments and can't wait for the flowers. Even without the leader this tree has righted itself and looks very good this year. I'd love to have the 100 ft. tree I keep reading about. |
Positive | On May 21, 2011, thenance007 from Nashville, TN wrote: I live in Nashville TN, where the tulip poplar is the state tree. They are all over my neighborhood. What I want to mention that I haven't seen mentioned before is that the tulip poplar is a GREAT honeybee forage plant--one of the absolute best!. The dripping and aphids that some have complained about is the nectar that just overflows the blossoms, it is so abundant. In these days of honeybee colony collapse disorder and all the challenges they face, this tree is a Godsend to them and blooms just in time for them to have built up their hive enough to fully benefit from it. If for no other reason, this one is good enough to encourage more people to grow it and not to cut it down because of its faults. |
Neutral | On May 16, 2011, Goangora from Yuma, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: I just moved here in January and saw the unusual bark on the tree. Now the leaves have started and they are beautiful. I knew I had seen the leaf before in my Plant Science book from college. So I looked up the tree and discovered it was a Tulip tree. |
Positive | On Jan 11, 2011, Gardeningman from Kingman, KS (Zone 6b) wrote: The tulip poplar tree is an excellent shade tree that is very resistant to disease and insects. It is also a fast growing tree but doesn't have the week wood of other fast growing trees such as the sycamore, silver maple, or American elm. |
Positive | On Oct 17, 2010, chevychase from Potomac, MD wrote: About 30 years ago, I dug up a 3-4 foot tulip poplar growing on the side of a road near my house. I got only part of the root which was actually a runner from a nearby tree. Planted it well and watered during dry spells for the first 5 years. It is now 50+ feet tall and one of the only trees in my yard that has not been damaged by wind. A beautiful interesting tree that has outperformed all other species that I planted. Likes mulch in the early years. |
Positive | On Aug 4, 2010, dblees from Central Point, OR wrote: I've been watching a Liriodendron mature nicely to height of about 65' on the front yard where I work, for about 16 years now. Last summer I was fortunate enough to spot a rare volunteer of the species along our boulevard and spirited it away to a better home (I hope!) in our back yard. |
Positive | On Aug 2, 2010, Doughboy2 from Davenport, IA wrote: I planted this tree about 30 years ago when we moved into a new home. It has proven to be exceptionally hardy and a great shade tree for my deck. I planted it on the SW corner of the deck, on a slight slope in clay soil. The 2nd year of growing, it snapped off about 5 feet from the ground, and before I could dig it out or saw it off, it sprouted from the trunk and began growing again! The 5th or 6th year, it again broke off from the wind, this time close to the ground. I cut it off at ground level, and unbelievably, it again sprouted from the ground to its current height of about 50-60 feet! It has just started dropping the lower branches (as other articles describe), but is a gorgeous tree, with the golden yellow leaves in the fall and is a certain conversation starter because of the shap... read more |
Positive | On Jun 23, 2010, bsimpson1972 from Chicago, IL (Zone 6a) wrote: This tree is a lovely addition to a LARGE yard or garden. Very nice habit. Very nice foliage. Incredible fall-color. The flowers, however, are usually hidden high above the branches and aren't very showy (compared to other Magnoliaceae) but they are definitely worth to behold. |
Positive | On Jun 10, 2010, taber from Victoria, British Columbia, There is a Tulip tree planted in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood downtown on Harwood Street planted over 100 years ago. It is 120 feet high. The woman who owned the property tried to secure its survival before she died, but the neighbour would not commit to preserving the tree legally (since fourty percent of the root ball is on her property). The city of Vancouver is debating on if it will provide density bonus to new owners of this property in exchange for not cutting down the tree. So the fate of the tree is in limbo. |
Neutral | On May 25, 2010, Yooper1 from Atlantic Mine, MI wrote: karenkress, "hardwoods" are deciduous trees, such as maples, oaks, apples, cherries, aspen, poplars, etc. "softwoods" are your evergreens, such as spruce, pine, cedar, hemlock etc. |
Positive | On May 20, 2010, karenkress from Pulaski, TN wrote: I am interested in the comments re fragility or not being storm tolerant. Most of these seem to come from areas where, according to Wiki, the tree is not found! |
Positive | On Sep 29, 2009, lexed from New York, NY wrote: There was an enormous tulip tree in my back yard in West Orange, NJ . I used to brag to my city friends and colleagues that I owned one of the biggest trees in New Jersey. I managed to hang a circular wood swing from a high branch and the kids and I would swing with wild abandon until one day, at my daughter's birthday party with her little friends scattered about the back yard, the branch broke while I was swinging from it. I went sailing and landed on my back with a thud, staring up at several thick and heavy chunks of the branch falling, as if in slow motion, among and between the little girls spotted around the yard. To my great relief, none of them were hit, but I had bad dreams about it afterwards. After we moved the new owners took down the mighty tulip tree to put in a swimmin... read more |
Positive | On Sep 13, 2009, LadyAethelwyne from Harriman, TN wrote: I have 3 huge trees in my yard, on in the side yard, one in the back, and one in the front yard. I live in a valley and my parents live on the hill above me at my side/ back yard. |
Positive | On May 18, 2009, leelynne from Dover, PA (Zone 6a) wrote: In January I bought a home on 2 acres of wooded land and I have about 12 of these beautiful Tulip Trees all throughout my property. I didn't know what they were, thought maybe they were oak trees so, I was surprised to see them get flowers on them a couple of weeks ago. Unlike many of the other comments mine have flowers all over the trees from top to bottom, not just on the tops. I asked my Mom if she knew what they were and she told me they were Tulip Trees. I think they're great! I dont know how old they are but they are huge! I do have a pollen problem with them but I think they're worth it! I also have lots of baby's that are growing up here and there and I'm going to let them grow. I think this is a great tree to have in your yard! |
Positive | On May 17, 2009, iam2picky from Columbia, SC wrote: I have read all comments about this tree and cannot believe one attribute has not been mentioned (unless I missed it); and that is the Fall foliage! |
Negative | On Mar 16, 2009, coyotehollow from Weldona, CO wrote: Maybe I need to start smaller, but I have purchased 3 of these trees from a nursery where the plants originally had been grown out east (as in the Eastern United States) where the climate is much different. First of all, I noticed that during the hotter spells of summer the trees would wax and wane, losing their leaves rapidly. The two trees I planted in the partial shade of either my home or some Scotch pines did no differently in the heat of the summer. In addition, the growth of the trees slowed rapidly. The leaves were HUGE coming from the nursery while still in the pot, but when planted out they went from huge to about half the size they were in one season, and then the next season the tree died to the ground and started over. I went ahead with all the trees and pulled them out/dug th... read more |
Positive | On Nov 14, 2008, scarfire from Copiague, NY wrote: I live in Copiague on the south shore of Long island. I have two enormous Tulip trees in my front yard approximately 10 feet from my house. |
Negative | On Nov 9, 2008, flowermad from bc, I HAD a tulip tree, planted it in my front garden to replace the alders that were past their prime but gave wonderful shade. I mistakenly got the idea that it would grow to only30 - 50 feet, now know that any size listed can be doubled here in the Pacific Northwest. I originally loved my beautiful tree. Bought for the lovely fresh green colour of the foliage, I was ecstatic when the beautiful flowers arrived. These Flowers can easily be missed if you dont know what you are looking for, you need to be close up to appreciate the delicate detail. Unfortunately, aphids and/or sap excretion became a messy nuisance, turning the lawn black and every plant under it sticky and atractive to all manner of bees and wasps. Not a welcome trait for the front garden. I let a side branch get too big(should... read more |
Positive | On Jul 2, 2008, DisHammerhand from Fontana, CA wrote: I have heard that this tree does not like hot dry conditions, wind or being next to pavement. It is planted next to restaurants and warehouses near me. In some cases it is planted a foot and a half from the curb! In fall we get hot dry winds and in winter we get cold dry winds. The trees don't seem to mind either. Most of the trees are quite large and seem to be perfectly happy. They are really beautiful trees and I am considering planting one right next to the street like I've seen just around the corner. |
Neutral | On Jun 25, 2008, Malus2006 from Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: There is one tree at the Minnesota Arboretum that is zone 4 hardy but may be marginal hardy - I don't know for sure. |
Positive | On Jun 14, 2008, prooferpat from Hamburg, NY wrote: I have a beautiful huge tulip tree and love it, but, I'm getting a little worried about it. Many of the branches are drooping and literally laying on the ground. It's loaded with flowers all over the tree, not just at the top. I don't have any idea how to prune it or even if I should prune. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm so afraid of loosing the tree although it does appear to be healthy. |
Neutral | On Apr 29, 2008, isom from Mission BC, I do agree that the rapid growth of this tree makes it more prone to breakage in areas with very high winds. But my mom had this tree in her front yard for years & we've had some very strong windstorms with no branches broken. Perhaps we were just lucky. |
Neutral | On Feb 6, 2008, mamooth from Indianapolis, IN (Zone 5b) wrote: My tulip tree is good looking in the spring, but powdery mildew attacks it every summer. The fungus doesn't seem to hurt the tree, but it's not attractive. Leaves get coated with white powder, and some of them shrivel and fall off, all summer long. There's no way to treat a tree that large with fungicide and no cure, so I live with it. This tree was started from a random seedling from the forest, which in hindsight was a mistake. If you want to grow a good looking tulip tree, pay for a fungus-resistant cultivar. |
Negative | On Jul 4, 2007, bill1956 from Moyock, NC wrote: I have a species of a poplar, believe it is not a tulip, however I also get the sprinkling sap problem each year that is causing havoc to my autos. The yellow droplets are carried by the wind onto the cars and turn black after time if not removed. I am looking for a solution to cure the problem, short of cutting down the tree. Any ideas? Saw where someone mentioned a product by Bayer that is poured at the base of the tree. Anyone familiar with it? |
Negative | On Jun 27, 2007, hilladen from Lake Oswego, OR wrote: This tree is nice and attractive. It also provides a lot of shade. However, it is always covered in aphids and seems to be brittle. I have branches dropping out of the tree all the time and now the top has broken off. I am going to have to take it down. It is about 30 years old. |
Positive | On Jun 7, 2007, daistuff from Cary, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: Seems this grows better out east, but mine is over 80 feet tall here in the midwest. We get it trimmed regularly to avoid the problem of falling branches. Ours does have a hole in it and the trimmer said if it starts to split we'll have to cut it down. I've tried growing seeds (in case we lose it!) to no avail. Only once has a seedling come up on my property, and the second I moved it, it died. Squirrels live in it too, probably not a good thing?!? Fun to watch, though. |
Positive | On Jun 7, 2007, Remans from Morrisville, PA wrote: Just bought a 101 year old house in South Eastern PA and a grand tulip tree is on the property which borders a canal. Until today I had no idea what it was, but this tree was one of the reasons I fell in love with this house. |
Positive | On May 10, 2007, pajaritomt from Los Alamos, NM (Zone 5a) wrote: This is a magnificent tree. Its flowers are magnificent. These trees surround my property in Mississippi and I love seeing the blooms in spring They are in a wooded area so I haven't had to worry about the leaf drop or the tree falling on the house. |
Positive | On Jan 7, 2007, dan84cj8 from Clementon, NJ wrote: I live in Southern New Jersey and have 2 of these in my yard. They are about 4ft across the trunk, and way taller than the house, even though the house is on a high spot, and these are on ground lower than the basement. |
Positive | On Aug 14, 2006, winging from Cincinnati, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: This is the inherited centerpiece of our front yard. I have not noticed any aphid problems. It does seem to get some blight or perhaps anthracnose, but so far the tree has weathered it just fine. I agree that it's a messy tree, although I don't mind the yellow leaves falling early. The beauty of the tree in full "bloom" as well as its form and shade more than make up for its negative aspects. We often get comments from folks walking by asking what it is and remarking on its beauty. |
Positive | On Aug 13, 2006, Sheila965 from Rincon, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: This tree is very hardy. I live in Zone 8 and here it is, mid August and we've still got new growth on it. I think the key is to keep it watered during the entire summer. We had a hail storm in May that did some serious damage to this tree. We thought we'd lost it, but it's doing beautifully! I love it. I can't wait to see it bloom. Right now it's only about 8 ft tall. |
Positive | On Jun 10, 2006, zardo from Sugar Grove, VA wrote: I grew up in Northeastern MD, and we had the most lovely, enormous Tulip Poplars in our side yard...the flowers were magnificent, the shade delightful and the birds (orioles especially) loved to nest there. Now, living in Southwestern VA, I have my own young Tulip Poplar thriving in my "tranquil area". It is only about 5 or 6 years old (it was quite small when I transplanted it from my brother's farm) and, as I had been living in MX for the past 4 years, I had missed it's foliage time during our visits...until this Spring when we moved home. There, to welcome us back, were lovely tulips on my young (but strong and tall) Poplar...we are delighted! |
Positive | On May 7, 2006, China1940 from Martinsburg, MO wrote: My 2 tulip tree's have been planted about 10 years and are probably 30 foot tall and maybe 1 foot in diam at the base. And they have been wonderful. they are close to my house on the west side and shade one of the upstairs bedrooms. I am kind of worried, since I read some of the comments. But I would like to know what these tree's are like when they get older? do they thin out or keep there limbs etc etc. Mine flowered early, I think they say June, but mine flower the 1st week of May (now). Have not been messy so far. We do water them in drouth, as we really need the shade and can't afford to let them die. I live in zone 5 central MO. They have not been messy yet.....talk about messy and that is my sycamore tree, which is probably about 36 years old!!! |
Positive | On Jan 31, 2006, Breezymeadow from Culpeper, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: This is one of Virginia's more common native trees (& there were also quite a few of them on Long Island, NY, when I lived there). I have quite a few of them here on the farm. |
Positive | On Jan 30, 2006, raisedbedbob from Walkerton, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: These trees are native here and are one of my favorites. I've survived 3 hurricanes which took out lots of mature oaks but not one Tulip Tree. |
Neutral | On Oct 19, 2005, zemerson from Calvert County, MD (Zone 7a) wrote: These grow everywhere here in Southern Maryland. I have two trees near my driveway and many zillions of seedlings all over. I have seen stretches of highway around here with nothing but these trees on the sides. Too bad the flowers grow so high up... |
Negative | On Apr 10, 2005, jeepndesert from Pooler, GA wrote: I just bought this tree. It had a pretty shape in the picture and was advertised as 30' x 90'. I'm going to uproot it and try to repot the tree for return to the store or throw it in the trash before the home owners complain about me trying to grow this tall tree that is prone to falling over in a hurricane. I'll probably just get a plain maple tree. |
Neutral | On Jan 21, 2005, escambiaguy from Atmore, AL (Zone 8b) wrote: This is a very attractive tree,I just love the shape of the leaves.It is a shame that it doesn't have stronger wood. It is not very drought tolerant, it tends to drop it's leaves during dry hot summers. Its mostly a swamp tree in my area. It's a tree worth planting if you have a spot a good distance from the house with ample moisture. I have noticed that most of the photos posted have leaves with pointed lobes, while mine has more rounded lobes(see my photo). |
Positive | On Dec 29, 2004, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote: This tree can grow quite large,only the Sycamore could be considered a larger tree East of the Mississippi River. One of the handsomest and most distinctive forest trees, growing to 190' with a long, straight trunk. |
Positive | On Nov 30, 2004, designart from Schwenksville, PA (Zone 6a) wrote: Fabulous native tree to the northeast woodlands. Not a good choice for small landscapes because of the many problems noted above. But an important tree to use in woodland restoration projects and for naturalization. |
Neutral | On Oct 23, 2004, mfearon from Millbrae, CA wrote: This is the Tennessee state tree! |
Neutral | On Aug 23, 2004, rochha from Owings, MD wrote: The most dominant species of trees where I live, they are extremely fast growing they will quickly dominate clear cut areas within 20 years, with Sweet Gums giving them a good fight for awhile, They make massive amounts of seeds. It is dangerous to walk in the woods during windy conditions if Poplars are dangerous, they frequently drop huge branches to the ground. I can't believe and more tree more dominant, they say there were more American Chestnuts, before the blight. Poplars Grow in a stately manner when in wide open spaces, |
Positive | On Aug 21, 2004, Farmerdill from Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: While the tulip poplar is an acceptable shade tree it is highly desirable as a timber tree. The price of logs for veneer is better than for other common timber . For me it is great in a hardwood forest. As a shade tree it does have an advantage in that it does drop it leaves early and over a very short time interval. Oaks hang on and dribble. |
Positive | On Aug 20, 2004, frostweed from Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: To Hoosierfarmboy I say ( Amen) and well spoken. |
Positive | On Aug 19, 2004, hoosierfarmboy from Franklinton, LA (Zone 8b) wrote: I am sorry to hear of all three of the negative comments. The Tulip Poplar, State Tree of Indiana, is one of the most beautiful and stately trees I know of. Whatever problems accompany it (aside from damaged roots caused by construction) are insignificant in comparison to its innate value in an appropriate landscape or forest. |
Negative | On Aug 19, 2004, sugarweed from Taylor Creek, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: Mother bought the house because of this big beautiful tree. The tree along with several sugargum trees left the yard littered year round. |
Neutral | On Jul 30, 2004, Curtis1955 from Portland, OR wrote: I've enjoyed the shade this tree provides in our backyard here in Portland, Oregon. However, right now I'm researching how to resolve an on-going messy aphid problem. It makes enjoying the backyard difficult because the lawn is sticky. I've spoken to a local nursery that recommends a product made by Bayer that is applied by mixing it with water and pouring it from a bucket at the base of the tree. Our tulip tree is probably 70 feet tall, with a circumference at the base of 115 inches. |
Positive | On Jun 7, 2004, tjengland4 from Cumming, GA wrote: We have am 80' tall Tulip Poplar in our yard. Last year we had wonderfull blooms all over the tree; this year there are none. |
Positive | On May 18, 2004, CaptMicha from Brookeville, MD (Zone 7a) wrote: I just noticed these growing around my house a few days ago. Mostly, I've seen them growing at the local water resevoir. |
Positive | On May 4, 2004, SARAHJANE from Winnsboro, TX wrote: I LIVE IN EAST TEXAS AND HAVE A VERY LARGE TULIP POPLAR IN MY YARD. IT SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY ONE IN THIS AREA. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL TREE, ESPECIALLY THE BLOOMS. THE ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE IS IT LOSING IT'S LEAVES SO EARLY - AROUND THE END OF JULY. MY YARD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE FALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER! |
Positive | On May 3, 2004, lovetherain from Merced, CA wrote: I live in Merced, California where we have dry heat in the summer with many days of 100+. In our back yard is a 20 year (+/-) Tulip Poplar that stands 70+ feet. I really love it for the shade, the beautiful color of the leaves, and, since spring, I've become a true fan! The lovely flowers have me in awe! |
Positive | On Sep 11, 2003, suncatcheracres from Old Town, FL wrote: My son has a 100 foot tall tulip tree in his rear yard in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, and really loves this tree. It is tall, broad, and straight, and is down a slope from his patio, in a wooded area on the West side, so it provides afternoon shade for his patio in the Summer, but the leaves drop onto the forest floor in the early Fall. |
Neutral | On Sep 10, 2003, Greenknee from Chantilly, VA (Zone 6b) wrote: I have two specimen Tulip Poplars at the front of my property, each side like sentinels - probably 70' tall. They have their uses, but are, as previous comments indicate somewhat a trash tree. They all look alike. They, like almost all trees are "windfirm" if they grow on their own in the open. The ones that come crashing down are usually ones that were left from a forest when clearing was done for construction, etc. |
Positive | On Aug 27, 2003, macmex from Tahlequah, OK wrote: This tree is very common in central New Jersey. I grew up wandering deep green glades, often, under the canopy of tulip poplars. It is a fast grower, one which often helps reclaim abandoned fields. It is also VERY popular with honey bees, producing a deep dark, very rich honey. I'd only recommend that one not plant it close to the house, as these trees can be susceptible to high winds (like in coming down)if the are not in a forest, surrounded by other trees, which break the force of the wind. This is a warning that my brother, who works with trees and landscapes, tells me whenever the subject arises. Yet I have seen some immense Tulip Poplars, standing alone, in fields, and they have been there for many years. |
Negative | On Aug 26, 2003, birdi wrote: I live in Tennessee and this tree reminds me of an old littering campaign in this state called "Tennessee Trash". I have several of these on my five acres and too many near the house where we have lawn area. By the first of August every year whether it rains or is dry hot or cool this tree looks like October and is littering the yard and pool not to mention the gutters on my house. |
Positive | On Jul 16, 2003, gvolpe from Pittsburgh, PA wrote: So far I have had great success with my tree. I live in Pymatuning Pennsylvania (U.S.) and the tree is about 40-50 feet tall. I do not know if this is true but I was told they had to be 10 years or older before they will produce tulips. |
Positive | On Jun 1, 2003, bbm wrote: We have just moved from England to the Dordogne in France. We have this great park land in front of the house on it we saw this great tree, the flower were big and many were on the top branches. |
Positive | On Apr 30, 2003, adkomondor from North Charleston, SC wrote: Very tall and fast growing and one of the best shade trees for the deep south. Its leaves turn a very handsome shade of gold in the fall. Can be grown from seed, but difficult to transplant from the wild. Has a huge, columner trunk. Seems to like moist, well-drained soil. Leave may turn yellow from drought. |
Negative | On Oct 28, 2002, PotEmUp from Fremont, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: I had one of these in my front yard for 30 years. The aphids love it. It was an unfortunate choice by the city as THE landscape tree for a very long street. The aphid "doo" was so thick that it was like walking in light rain. Under each tree was a sticky dark goo. The only cure was a professionally applied systemic, which the city (who owned the trees) was very reluctant to use. |
Neutral | On Aug 14, 2001, mystic from Ewing, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: This tree grows tall and straight.The unusual flowers were the inspiration for the common name; they're shaped much like a tulip with greenish-yellow petals blushed with orange on the inside. Because they generally are found high in the leaf canopy, the flowers often go unnoticed until they drop off after pollination. The leaves of this tree are also quite distinct, with a large, v-shaped notch at the tip .The tuliptree can reach as tall as 190 feet where it's allowed to thrive, but it is more likely to reach 70 feet in height as a mature landscape specimen. |