Description
The Tulip Poplar is also known as the tulip tree or the yellow poplar. It is a hardwood tree. It is not a true poplar tree but instead is a member of the magnolia tree family. When grown in the open it tends to assume a broad columnar shape that is its signature form. The distinctive cup-shaped flowers are 1.5 in. across and about 2 in. - 2.5 in. L and really do resemble tulips. At the southern end of its range tulip poplar blooms in spring while in its northern range they'll appear in Summer. The handsome flowers are greenish-yellow with orange markings and are held at the branch tips where they can be best admired. Flowers are followed by brown scaly cone-shaped fruit. The simple leaves are squarish-lobed and about 6 in. L. The large distinctive leaves make the tree easy to identify as they to, resemble the shape of a tulip flower. With beautiful form, rapid growth (with good care), lovely spring flowers and golden fall foliage, this forest giant makes a great ornamental for spaces large enough to accommodate it. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9 and is shipped in a #5 pot with an average tree height of 24 in. - 36 in.
