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Summary

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

Physical Characteristics

Liriodendron tulipifera is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 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: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Tulipifera liriodendron.

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].

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 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].

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Other Uses

Dye Wood

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 Uses

Attracts Wildlife

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Pollard, Specimen. 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]. The flowers produce considerable nectar, making this a good bee plant[21, 229]. Cultivated for its wood in Europe50]. Special Features:North American native, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

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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, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Expert comment

Author

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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Liriodendron tulipifera - L.