(Liriodendron tulipifera)
The Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae)
A large tree with a long, straight trunk and grayish-brown, deeply furrowed bark. Leaves are deciduous, alternate, tulip-shaped and bright yellow in the fall. Also known as Tuliptree or Yellow Poplar.
Habitat:
Moist forests.
Interesting Facts:
One of the tallest and fastest growing native hardwoods in North America, a valuable source of lumber. The bark of older trees is often encircled with holes made by the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Woodpecker. Spicebush and Tiger Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars eat leaves.
Fruit:
An oblong, cone-like structure with many layers of 2” long winged seeds.
Flower:
Showy, tulip-shaped flower with yellow-green and orange petals, 2.5” long, blooms in late spring.
Wildlife value:
Abundant nectar attracts bees and hummingbirds including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Birds and mammals such as squirrels attracted by seed. Leaves and twigs eaten by deer and rabbits.
Flower
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 4.00-8.00 inches
Tree height: 80.00-140.00 feet
Where to find Tulip Poplar on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
BCY - Bald Cypress Loop 11.0
PAW - Pawpaw Loop Trail 10.0
TER - Walker Terrace 11.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.