Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Tulip Poplar, Tulip Tree, Tulip Magnolia, Canoewood, Lyre Tree, Saddle Tree, Whitewood

Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia)

Distribution: S Ontario to NC and E USA

Habitat: Rich forests, on north and east aspects, lower slopes, sheltered coves, and concave slopes; 0-1500

Hardiness: -30 - 30 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Bloom Time: April to June

Attracts: Root-collar borer moth, tulip tree moth, promethea moth, tulip tree beauty, tiger swallowtail; cardinal, goldfinch, Carolina chickadee, purple finch, yellow-bellied sapsucker, ruby-throated hummingbird, pileated woodpecker; fox squirrel, gray squirrel, red squirrel, white-footed mouse, woodland deer mouse; white-tailed deer

Fall color: Yellow

Foliage characteristics: Alternate, simple, four-lobed, tulip-shaped leaves. 8" wide.

Fruit characteristics: Cone-like structure made up of many samaras on a central stalk. Seeds mainly disperse from October to November, but some continue to fall as late as March.

Bark characteristics: Young: smooth, light gray, with shallow furrows Mature: thick, gray, with deep furrows

Average height: 60-90'

Bloom characteristics: Tulip-shaped. 2" long.

Structure: Oval

Fragrance: Flower smells slightly of cucumber.

Pollination syndrome: Beetles, bumblebees, honeybees, other long-tongued bees, flies, ruby-throated hummingbird

Description: The tulip poplar is a beautiful tree. With both uniquely tulip-shaped leaves and tulip-like flowers, the tree’s common name is no surprise. Those passingly familiar with tulip trees may be surprised to learn about its flowers. Light yellow and cup-shaped, with a vibrant orange band towards the base, these showy flowers are often hidden behind the tree’s large foliage. So next time you are near a tulip tree in the summer, don’t forget to look out for its flowers.