LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERIA – Tulip Tree

The Tulip Tree is a deciduous, spring flowering, shade tree that is native to Eastern North American

[Elementary School students]

Did you know?

What medical uses are associated with this tree?

*  The tree is used to treat fevers and indigestion. You can make tea from its inner bark. (https://solarbeez.com/category/tulip-tree/)

What is the tallest hardwood tree in Eastern North America?

*  This is the tallest hardwood tree in Eastern North America. (http://www.oplin.org/tree/fact%20pages/tulip_tree/tulip_tree.html)

What U,S. President planted these trees?

*  George Washington planted tulip trees at Mount Vernon which are now 140' tall.

(https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=930)

Who used these trees to make their boats?

*  Daniel Boone used the wood of this tree for his 60' dugout canoe. The tree is often referred to as the “dugout tree”.

(https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=930)

The tree is a food source for what insects and animals?

*  Bees make honey from the blossoms, and various wildlife eat the fruit and twigs. (http://www.oplin.org/tree/fact%20pages/tulip_tree/tulip_tree.html)

Leaf:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwielOOokdTSAhXCRCYKHT0fAH4QjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oplin.org%2Ftree%2Ffact%2520pages%2Ftulip_tree%2Ftulip_tree.html&psig=AFQjCNGPVBJsuzD1JwbtQ7uc047zTHyuWQ&ust=1489516849863571

[Middle School students]

Habitat (where it likes to live)

*  Well drained soils in full sun and also in wet soils
*  Location: Eastern North America  (Zone 4 to 9)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liriodendron_tulipifera

Requirements (what it needs to live)

*  Water: Medium 
*  Maintenance: Low

Identification (what it looks like)

*  A tall (up to 90’) growing shade tree
*  The flowers are showy in the spring
*  The tree has good fall color

[High School students]

Habit (how it grows)

*  Height: 60 to 90 feet
*  Spread: 30 to 50 feet
*  Bloom Time: May to June 
*  Bloom Description: Yellow with orange band at the base of the leaf 
*  Sun: Full sun
*  Tolerate: Wet Soil, Air Pollution

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a878

Flower

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi0sK39kNTSAhUKKyYKHX4CCRIQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oplin.org%2Ftree%2Ffact%2520pages%2Ftulip_tree%2Ftulip_tree.html&psig=AFQjCNGPVBJsuzD1JwbtQ7uc047zTHyuWQ&ust=1489516849863571

Seeds

https://www.google.com/search?q=tulip+tree+seed&espv=2&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjaxv35kNTSAhWB5CYKHehFDccQ_AUIBigB&biw=1024&bih=662#imgrc=PNzJJ9hYVHl42M:

Fall color

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/liriodendron-tulipifera/

Suggested Use (where to plant it in the garden and landscape)

*  Street Tree – To provide shade for sidewalks and along the road
*  Residences – Good shade tree for homes and yards
*  Parks – Seth Hand Park

References:

1. Missouri Botanic Garden – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a878
2. NC State Extension - https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/liriodendron-tulipifera/
3. Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liriodendron_tulipifera
4. Solarbeez - (https://solarbeez.com/category/tulip-tree/)
5. Opin.org - (http://www.oplin.org/tree/fact%20pages/tulip_tree/tulip_tree.html)
6. Arbor Day - (https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=930)