Tulip Poplar

For an impressive shade tree that makes an enormous impact in the landscape, try this gorgeous native hardwood tree. The Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) has a straight-as-a pin-trunk and a beautiful pyramidal canopy. This tree looks great all year long - even while young.

However, we do have a confession to make. The Tulip Poplar is not a Tulip. And it's not a Poplar, either. Instead, this is a native relative of a Grand Magnolia family, and you know what that means. Showy, showy, showy!

In spring, this shapely tree is absolutely covered with flowers. These bright yellow and orange cupped blooms have a wonderful Magnolia fragrance and bring a whole lot of visual interest to your landscape.

Just take a good look at the photos, and you'll understand why it's nicknamed the "Tulip" tree. Like everything else about the standout shade tree, the big tulip-shaped blooms make a statement.

The greenish yellow flowers are up to 8 inches long and are each splotched with dabs of neon orange! The "Tulips" are so beautiful that museums and botanical gardens across the country have Tulip Tree walks, where paths are lined with these remarkable trees.

Don't worry, the huge flowers are in perfect scale with the instantly recognizable, oversized leaves. These cute, bright green leaves have an endearing modified star shape. 

Oh, and the fall color? The unique leaves turn a brilliant blaze yellow in autumn. What a standout! And because they are large - measuring up to 5 inches long - yearly cleanup is a snap.

Like many native trees, Tulip Poplar is a great hideaway tree for birds. Birds love to build their nests in it. Watch for hummingbirds and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies who love to sip the nectar from the incredible flowers.

For the discerning homeowner, this large shade tree really has it all. A great form all year long, magnificent fragrant spring flowers, easy-breezy care requirements and knock out fall color. The Tulip Poplar is a North American treasure.

Order yours today!

How to Use Tulip Poplar Tree in the Landscape

Place this wonderful hardwood tree on the south or southwest side of your house to give invaluable dappled shade to a patio or picture window. You'll block the hot afternoon sun from your family activities and provide welcome relief from the summer heat.

The tree's straight trunk is an outstanding feature in this regard. You'll be able to easily line up the young tree exactly where you need the shade.

This is the perfect tree for lining a drive or walkway as the roots stay deep and the tree is not messy.

Pair this beauty up with other fall coloring trees for a great contrast of color in the autumn landscape. Tulip Poplar leaves reliably turn an intense shade of yellow, even without extensive cold in the fall.

Give it plenty of room to reach its full size. There is nothing sadder than a magnificent Tulip Tree that wants to grow up straight and tall having to contort and bend in a too-crowded neighborhood. Plan ahead for the best results!

If you can, site the tree where you'll see the tulip flower display in spring from inside your home, too. Don't miss a moment of the "wow" factor this tree delivers.

Now, everyone wants to know how fast trees will grow. You'll be pleased to know that this strong, hardy tree will grow up to 2 feet a year. So it won't take long to experience the full character of the tree in your yard.

If you can, shop for the largest container size we have in stock. You'll get an older, established tree. Large trees give an immediate impact in the landscape. You'll be glad you "sized up" whenever you can.

If we have smaller sizes in stock, go ahead and order them. These native trees are in high demand, and they can be hard to find.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Disease and pest resistant, this is a versatile tree that's been commemorated as the State Tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its natural conical canopy requires no extra maintenance. If you are looking for a tree that requires a lot of pruning, don't look here.

During the Revolutionary War, the Tulip Poplar was one of the trees commonly planted as "Liberty trees" that were immediate cut down when found by the British soldiers. George Washington featured them at his Mount Vernon estate.

It's been celebrated everywhere from Mount Vernon, through the gardens of Europe. Native to the Eastern United States, this easy-care tree is highly adaptable to many different types of soils. It even thrives in wet soil. Don't forget that this tree is also quite adaptable to the extreme hot/dry climates of zone 9 in the Western United States.

For homeowners that require their plants to work hard to earn their place in the landscape, Tulip Poplar definitely delivers. One of the most balanced growing of all the shade trees, this upright tree has a stately appearance from a young age. Order today and get started on your legacy "Liberty Tree" for your landscape.