Liriodendron tulipifera

Description

A magnificent, specimen tree, tall and elegant, suited to public spaces and as a shade tree in larger gardens. Alpine Nurseries pre-grows to order, and while Liriodendron tulipifera is not in abundant supply, this tree is one to consider.

Liriodendron tulipifera is a tall, oval-shaped, deciduous tree with a smooth, textured leaf. It is part of the Magnoliaceae family. A beautiful feature tree in streets, parks and other public spaces as well as large gardens.

It has bright green, soft, saddle-shaped leaves. Once the tree reaches around 5 to 7 years old, in the upper branches grow large, pale green or yellow-green tulip-like conical flowers, with prominent gold stamens in spring. The stunning fragrant flowers grow erect and give this tree the common name, ‘Tulip tree.’ Cone shaped fruit 5-8cm long appear after flowering and the bark is aromatic. It is a host plant for caterpillars, is wild-life attracting, pollinated by beetles and is also a honey tree, yielding a dark-reddish, strong honey.

Sun to part shade tolerant, relatively flood tolerant, and resistant to drought, pests and wind, and tolerates air pollution. Will grow shorter in full sun and can occasionally suffer from scorched leaves.

Image credits:
– 1st image Anterra Design at Carisbrooke Row Bowral.
– 2nd & 3rd images: Specialty Trees

Specifications