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Liriodendron tulipifera - L.

Common Name Tulip Tree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar, Canary Whitewood
Family Magnoliaceae
USDA hardiness 4-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Deep rich rather moist soils on mountain slopes and by streams[82]. Rich woodlands, bluffs, low mountains, and hills from sea level to 1500 metres[270].
Range Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar, Canary Whitewood


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jean-Pol_GRANDMONT
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar, Canary Whitewood
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Llez

 

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Summary

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


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Tulipifera liriodendron.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The root is used as a lemon-like flavouring in spruce beer, where it also serves to correct the bitterness of the beer[2]. The bark of the root and branches have a pleasant rather pungent scent[11].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Aphrodisiac  Cardiac  Diuretic  Dysentery  Nervine  Poultice  Tonic


The intensely acrid bitter inner bark, especially of the roots, is used domestically as a diuretic, tonic and stimulant[82, 213]. The raw green bark is also chewed as an aphrodisiac[222, 257]. The bark contains 'tulipiferine', which is said to exert powerful effects on the heart and nervous system[46, 61, 213]. A tea is used in the treatment of indigestion, dysentery, rheumatism, coughs, fevers etc[222, 257]. Externally, the tea is used as a wash and a poultice on wounds and boils[257]. The root bark and the seeds have both been used to expel worms from the body[213, 257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

Our Latest books on Perennial Plants For Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens in paperback or digital formats.

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Other Uses

Dye  Wood

Landscape Uses - Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Pollard, Specimen. A gold-coloured dye is obtained from the bark[106]. 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[11, 46, 61, 171, 229, 235]. Native North Americans used the tree for making canoes[270]. Special Features: North American native, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms. The flowers produce considerable nectar, making this a good bee plant[21, 229]. Cultivated for its wood in Europe50].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a deep rich soil[11, 43, 200] and a sheltered but not overshadowed position[1]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[188]. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade[188]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is fast-growing and moderately long-lived in its native range[229]. Flowers are first produced when the tree is about 15 - 20 years old[229]. Liriodendron tulipifera is the state tree of both Indiana and Tennessee[270]. 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[11]. Trees flower best in regions with long hot summers[200]. Plants are particularly susceptible to attacks by rabbits and hares[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady place in a cold frame[80, 113, 200]. Stored seed requires 3 weeks warm then 12 weeks cold stratification[80, 113]. Germination is usually poor, only about 1% of the seed is viable[80]. 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[78]. Layering in spring. Do not sever from the parent plant for 2 years[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario (southeast)), United States (Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan (south), New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Missouri (southeast), Illinois, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

11200270

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   Apr 29 2016 12:00AM

We had 2 of these trees in central Illinois. Their summer shade kept our house cool. Very pretty tree and fast growing.

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Subject : Liriodendron tulipifera  
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