Tulip Tree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar, Canary Whitewood
Liriodendron tulipifera

Family: Magnoliaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Green, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Rounded.

Liriodendron tulipifera is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

Deep rich rather moist soils on mountain slopes and by streams. Rich woodlands, bluffs, low mountains, and hills from sea level to 1500 metres.

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The root is used as a lemon-like flavouring in spruce beer, where it also serves to correct the bitterness of the beer. The bark of the root and branches have a pleasant rather pungent scent.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The intensely acrid bitter inner bark, especially of the roots, is used domestically as a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. The raw green bark is also chewed as an aphrodisiac. The bark contains 'tulipiferine', which is said to exert powerful effects on the heart and nervous system. A tea is used in the treatment of indigestion, dysentery, rheumatism, coughs, fevers etc. Externally, the tea is used as a wash and a poultice on wounds and boils. The root bark and the seeds have both been used to expel worms from the body.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating: 3

Landscape Uses - Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Pollard, Specimen. A gold-coloured dye is obtained from the bark. Wood - fine-grained, soft, light, easily worked, durable, brittle, not strong but does not split. A valuable timber, it weighs 26lb per cubic foot and is much used for interior finishes, furniture, construction and plywood. Native North Americans used the tree for making canoes. Special Features: North American native, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms. The flowers produce considerable nectar, making this a good bee plant. Cultivated for its wood in Europe50].

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Requires a deep rich soil and a sheltered but not overshadowed position. Prefers a slightly acid soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. A very ornamental plant, it is fast-growing and moderately long-lived in its native range. Flowers are first produced when the tree is about 15 - 20 years old. Liriodendron tulipifera is the state tree of both Indiana and Tennessee. Intolerant of root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots and placed into their final positions as soon as possible. Any transplanting is best done in May. Trees flower best in regions with long hot summers. Plants are particularly susceptible to attacks by rabbits and hares.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady place in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 weeks warm then 12 weeks cold stratification. Germination is usually poor, only about 1% of the seed is viable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Layering in spring. Do not sever from the parent plant for 2 years.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tulipifera liriodendron.