Trees With Tulip-shaped Leaves
The tulip tree, or Liriodendron tulipifera, is aptly named for its tulip-shaped leaves and orange and green flower that resembles the tulip flower. This tree, native to the eastern United States, is part of the Magnolia family. While cultivars are available for planting, this tree is primarily found growing in the wild in forests. Does this Spark an idea?
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Range and Habit
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The tulip tree, also known as tulip poplar, is a fast-growing tree found in the eastern United States from Massachusetts to Michigan and south to Louisiana and Florida. This deciduous tree ranges in height from 70 to 120 feet, making it one of the tallest growing hardwood trees in the east. The trunk is pencil-straight, and leaves are large, growing up to 8 inches across.
Flower and Fruit
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The tulip tree flowers in May and early June. The flowers resemble those of a tulip and have greenish-yellow petals. The center of the flower is orange and is pollinated by bees. The flowers are barely visible from the ground, growing high up in the tree canopy. They are found on the ground, either whole or petals only. When the flower is done flowering, it leaves a cone-like structure that bears the seeds. The seeds are a dried aggregate of individual samaras. When handled, they fall apart easily.
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Propagation
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The tulip tree grows easily. Seedlings are commonly found around the tree or upwind of the tree because the winged seeds are dispersed by the wind. The tree grows well in sunny locations and moist soil, and given optimal conditions can grow 3 to 5 feet per year. Because of its large size, the tulip tree is best suited for locations with ample space.
Uses
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Because of its straight growth habit and length, the tulip tree is a useful timber species. The wood has few knots because it is high branching. It is used primarily for furniture because it is one of the softer hardwood species, but it does have other uses, including lumber.
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References
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