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.

Tulip tree is 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 it grows more slowly.

The soil must be light, not calcareous and deep; American tulip tree prefers 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.

Yellow-poplar does not need pruning or fertilizers.

Liriodendron tulipifera is a very resistant tree to the usual pests and diseases.

Whitewood propagates by seeds sown in autumn or by layering in late spring.

Images of the tree Liriodendron tulipifera or Tulip tree