Summary
A signature tree of local forests, this “king of the magnolia family” grows rapidly in youth producing straight, unbranched trunks creating cathedral-like columns. Tulip-shaped greenish-yellow flowers with bright orange interior markings appear in late May to early June, and give the species its common name. Fall foliage color is golden-yellow. The distinctive cone-shaped fruits remain as small candelabras in winter. Best growth occurs in moist well-drained loamy soil in full sun. Tulip tree is best used as a specimen or clustered in groups on large properties. It is a good companion and overstory component for other trees and shrubs including Nyssa sylvatica, Ilex opaca, Cornus florida, Kalmia latifolia, and Hamamelis virginiana.
More Details
- Plant Type
tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, dry, moist - Flowering Period
late-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
yellow - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green, yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
brown, tan
Additional Information
Flora of North America, USDA Forest Service Silvics of North America, USDA Forest Service (FEIS Lab), USDA Plants Database