American Tulip-Tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera)

The American Tulip-Tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera) is perhaps the most iconic of all Carolinian trees, being used as a symbol or logo for conservation groups such as Carolinian Canada. Although planted in various locations throughout southern Ontario. the Tulip-Tree is only native to the a few locations in Hamilton, the Niagara Penninsula, northern Lake Erie and south western Ontario. Wild trees can grow to over 120 feet, making it the tallest hardwood in eastern North America! No where is this species common in Canada, but in the few locations where it is found it thrives and is an absolutely breathtaking tree. One of my personal favorites!

The abruptly forked end of the leaves are highly characteristic and unmistakable! The leaves usually have either 4 or 6 lobes, 2 lobed leaves can occur but are much rarer and usually only found on young, vigorously growing saplings.

Here is a leaf showing 6 shallow lobes.

Here is a leaf with 4 deeply cut lobes.

The Tulip-Tree gets its interesting name from its large, cup shaped blooms with 6, creamy white or yellow petals with orange flares near the base. Inside, the petals are lined with thin anthers and in the center lies a large cone of overlapping pistils. These flowers appear in late June to early July.

Uncoincidentally, the Tulip-Tree is a member of the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae) and has kept these gorgeous blooms as an adaptation! The flowers give off a subtle sweet smell and when freshly opened secrete a thick nectar. This nectar is edible and tastes like honey!

The bark is light greyish brown, and shallowly furrowed with blunt ridges. As the tree matures, the ridges become larger, sharper and more obviously interlacing.

The small, hard seeds mature in early autumn, and are completely encased in a papery skin which extends at the tip to form a wing. This allows the seed to be caught by the wind and blown far from the parent. These winged seeds form in tight clusters resembling overlapping scales. These often persist on the trees over the winter. (Sorry, no photos yet!)