Liriodendron tulipifera #5 (Tulip Tree)

Tulip Tree, also called Tulip Poplar (though it is not a true poplar), is the tallest native hardwood tree in North America. It is also the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee! It is a stately tree indeed, with a fast growth rate of 16-20′ in height in only a six to eight year period. It has a densely pyramidal growth habit in youth, often rounding out to a more oval-shaped crown at maturity. These towering giants are not suitable for small yards or near houses, as they tend to have rather brittle wood that can break in wind and ice storms. It is best planted in deep, fertile, moist soil in full sun. Since this is such a large and magnificent tree, it is easy to appreciate when given ample space to grow. The foliage turns a brilliant yellow for several weeks in fall before the leaves drop.

Tulip Tree gets its most commonly used name from the gorgeous 3″ wide, tulip-shaped flowers it bears in late spring. They are greenish-yellow with a fiery orange interior, very showy but elusive because they are high up in the trees and easy to miss if you’re not looking for them. Many insects are attracted to the flowers for nectar and pollen, while Baltimore Orioles and Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have also been known to visit. It is host to 21 species* of Lepidoptera, including the beautiful Tuliptree Silkmoth, Promethea Silkmoth, Tulip-tree Beauty and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. The seeds are eaten by many species of birds, as well as red, gray and fox squirrels.

Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
*Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L. Schwartz
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Tolerance

Photo Credits:
Mature Individual: Dinkum, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons