Liriodendron Species, Tulip Poplar, Tulip Tree

On Aug 12, 2021, Beetreeguy from Gordonsville, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:

These are the tallest, and fastest growing, trees in the forests of Virginia. They seed prolifically and when an area is logged they out-compete most of the oaks, hickories, and maples wherever they find their favored growing conditions. They seem best adapted to clay soil, and even tolerate intermittent standing water. They seem less dominant on dry rocky ridgetops, or west-facing slopes where they get no morning sun. Tulip Poplars are a pollinator powerhouse starting when they're about 12-15 years old. The bloom time is weather dependent, usually coinciding with the Blackberry and Black Locust blooms. We typically see the flowers open up starting in late May, but it can be a month earlier. The flowers tend to so so high up in these massive trees they aren't very noticeable from below, an... read mored some are actually higher than honey bees will fly. And while I like these trees, I wouldn't say they're an ideal yard tree. One of the issues is they drop sizable limbs that stick in the ground like a lawn darts. They're better admired from a distance.

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.

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.

I lived for six years in a house shaded by a tulip-tree, and never once saw the flowers. They're green, and get lost among the foliage up in the crown. The orange marks are only visible from a helicopter.

It is astonishingly fast-growing here. Like many fast-growing trees, it can be weak-wooded, and subject to wind breakage, especially when grown as a specimen. Your mileage may vary.

Like lindens here, Liriodendrons drip sticky sweet honeydew all season, thanks to chronic aphid infestation. Black mold grows on the honeydew and covers pati... read moreos and lawn furniture with sticky black gunk. Systemic insecticides kill not only the aphids but also the honeybees. So this tree is best planted in a large parklike setting away from heavily used areas.

Among gardeners, this tree has a reputation for having thirsty, competitive roots. It isn't the easiest tree to garden under.

Early leaf drop is a sign of chronic drought stress.

The fall color is a luminous yellow.

The pollen is only mildly allergenic---it's pollenated by insects and not by wind.

I realized, after reading Tolkien, that in visualizing the grand mallorn trees, I was basing my imagery on mature tulip-trees.

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.

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!

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!

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).....

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.

I had Davey Tree Service put in the tree, so I know it was done right. I am on a hill which is the highest point in the area and my soil is quite sandy. The TT is now about 20-25 feet high.

My concern is that this tree does suffer frequent wind damage to the upper limbs, even when more common maples and oaks do not. It lost it's header soon after planting. Yesterday, I pulled 4 upper branches out of it that had been s... read morenapped off and were stuck in other limbs. I am fairly sure this happened this spring and not from freezing.

While pulling one of the limbs down, I accidentally snapped off a good limb of about an inch in girth. I did not know these trees were so fragile! Is this because it is a fast grower or is there something I am neglecting about it's care? I have not been watering it or fertilizing since the first few years.

(I see that this tree seems to be in demand. I have two seedlings, one about 3 feet high that seeded in my front garden from the neighbor's tree. I plan to dig them up, pot them and offer them to friends.)

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.

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.
There have been some comments about aphid infestation, and I noticed that most of these comment are coming from the Pacific Northwestern U.S. or Southwestern Canada. The tulip poplar is a "picky" tree when it comes to climate. It does not do well in real wet or real dry climates. If it is planted in the wrong climate it will probably be stressed and be vulnerable to aphid infestation. The PNW and SW Canada is just to damp to support healthy tulip poplar trees. I live in Kansas and all of the tulip poplar trees here do very well. They also ... read moregrow very well in Northern Oklahoma. This is because the climate here in Kansas and Northern Oklahoma is ideal to support healthy, non-stressed tulip trees.

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.

We discovered early on that deer LOVE this plant, as it was eaten down to nubs in its first week. But after putting a small fence around it, it came back and grew nicely for what was left of the summer & fall. But then this spring just after it sprouted a few leaves, we had a very unseasonable late, hard frost, and a bunch of the leaves were frostbitten. Obviously very hardy, this little thing just kept cruisin' and is now a healthy little 4' specimen. I'll just need a much bigger deer fence ... read morefor a few years.

The earlier comments about the downside of growing this tree outside its native area seem valid. For example, in our area, untimely frosts can obviously be a setback but probably not generally a "killer"; our soils drain like a seive here, so much watering seems to be required; of course the aforementioned deer problem...

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.
It has the reputation of being rather brittle, when in an exposed site but this year, only a week or so ago, a storm toppled a neighbor's poplar, when our Liriodendron stood the test and only lost a few minor branches in a major storm. Ours is growing in Lake Michigan-sandy-soil and it seems to have been doing so for many years unharmed. I love it!

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.

Those places that call it a "softwood" are mistaken, and are probably using the density of the wood to make that determination.

For example, Poplar weighs about 3.2 pounds per board foot, and is a "hardwood", while Yellow Pine weighs about 4.2 pounds per board foot, and is a "softwood", even though due to the weight difference, the pine would be harder (due to being more dense) than the Poplar.

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 moreg pool. So it goes.

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!

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 moreem up, and found that the root system was fairly healthy looking, and in all probability the trees would have started up again from the bottom, but to have a six foot tree turn into a seedling was pretty sad, so they were simply removed. Any thoughts as to growing these trees on the Great Plains? I would love to get one of these going, but need to have a healthy cultivar that will take a neutral/alkali soil better--if there is such a tulip poplar cultivar/seed source--and one that will take the zone 4b/5a we are in. My email is [email protected] if you have any suggestions directly as this is not a discussion thread per se but to talk about your own experiences. Thanks and happy growing!

On Nov 9, 2008, flowermad from bc,
Canada wrote:

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 have removed it 3 years earlier) when a heavy rain proved just the added weight it needed to split off from the main trunk. Took a good portion of that trunk with it so it had to go. I miss the beautiful tree, but will be looking for something more appropriate to replace it.

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.

On Apr 29, 2008, isom from Mission BC,
Canada (Zone 8b) wrote:

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.

I find the heavier insect infestation like aphids tends to happen when the tree is stressed. It really isn't a god tree for the average homeowner since it wants to grow very tall & is a hungry feeder. It can overpower most places quickly & is better suited to parks & large estates. Under good conditions, with sufficient water needs, insects aren't usually a problem. But under crowded conditions in most people's yards & during periods of drought, aphids are a real nuisance.

I think it's a gorgeous tree in the r... read moreight setting, just not for most people.

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?

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.

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.
In fact, the house on my property is made from Tulip Poplar cut on the property quite a few years ago. In the living area the wood is oiled and is absolutely georgeous.
The tree is very tall and is a hazard in states where hurricanes occur. I have had oaks and enormous pines fall on my house and know whereof I speak. In fact, it is a bad idea to have a super tall tree near the house in almost any part of the country. Grow poplars but make sure they are 200 ft. from your house.

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.

The ends of fallen branches can be rather scary looking and shop when the fruit comes off and there is just a spike left, but it's "bark is worse than it's bite". (Sorry, just couldn't resist). :)

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!

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.

While not terribly "spreading" as far as providing shade, the springtime flowers are large & exotic looking. Also, while they don't appear to be terribly long-lived for such large trees, the dead ones provide homes for multiple wildlife, & I leave them be unless they're in danger of falling & destroying fencing or buildings. Woodpeckers & small mammals LOVE them for home sites.

If planting in or near pastures, be aware that livestock (cattle & horses) do love to eat the leaves.

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...

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).

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.

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,

On Aug 20, 2004, frostweed from Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:

To Hoosierfarmboy I say ( Amen) and well spoken.

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.
On Aug 18, 2000 all 120' of the Tu[ip Poplar did a 90 degree twist and laid right over on its side across the right side of her house. Seems the root was damaged back when the house was built in 1962. Good Insurance, but emotional nightmare.
If you have a choice dont plant a tulip poplar or a sugargum tree.

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.

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!

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.

The yellow flowers are quite unusual for a tree, of course. He does have seedlings everywhere, and I have dug up some quite small seedlings from his lawn and given them away to his neighbors who admired his tree, but he mostly just mows them down. He has allowed a few seedlings along a drainage ditch to grow up, along with oak and maple seedlings.

We have never considered it a "trash tree," and I've read that there are... read more some famous gardens on old estates here in America under forests of widely spaced tulip trees. John Tradescant the Younger, son of John Tradescant the Elder, royal gardener to King Charles I of England, visited America in 1637, 1642 and 1654, bringing back many plants to England, including the tulip tree, where it became popular as an "avenue tree," lining long drives to great estates, chateaus and castles. So, as usual, Europeans are more appreciative of our native flora than we are.

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.

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.

It came with a cottage I bought and I was very amazed when it bloomed tulips on the third year I was there (1999), when it was ten years old. I now look at this tree as I come out the front door and I notice the tulips right away because I have massive brances starting at about 4 feet up the tree and they produce a large amount of tulips, unlike what else I read about the tree.

I read that they only produce flowers on upper branches. Also some of the leaves on this tree are very large. At this time the tree is producing majo... read morer seeds. I am trying to get the exact details on what to do with the seed so I can insure that this tree is reporduced. It is the best-looking tree in my entire large yard and I want another one or two, but further from the house.

I am a little concerned about the eventual height of the tree - up to 111' tall and 31 feet around. I am afraid I will have to cut this tree down eventually and would like to have more of them started. I encourage anyone with the room to grow this tree for both the beautiful tulips and good looking leaves.

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.

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.