Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Liriodendron tulipifera or Tulip tree

The genus Liriodendron, family Magnoliaceae, includes 2 very similar tree species: Liriodendron tulipifera (North America) and Liriodendron chinensis (China).

Common names: Tulip tree, American tulip tree, Yellow-poplar, Whitewood. This species is native to North America.

They are trees with a rounded crown that reach 30 meters (98.4 feet) high. The intense green leaves have long petioles and are alternate and lobed; in autumn they turn golden with reddish tones. The large, scented flowers (20 cm(7.87") are yellowish-green with an orange center. They bloom in summer.

They are used as isolated specimens and in streets forming rows.

Liriodendron tulipifera needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. If the climate is temperate it grows quickly; in colder climates they grow more slowly.

The soil must be light, not calcareous and deep; they prefer acidic soil.

Water with a bucket of water weekly if the tree is young (4 meters/13.12 feet) and increase to 3 buckets if the tree is large.

They do not need pruning or fertilizers.

They are very resistant trees to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate by seeds sown in autumn or by layering in late spring.

Images of the tree Liriodendron tulipifera or Tulip tree