Tulip Poplar Tree Delivers Golden Fall Color and Unique Spring Flowers
Add Fast-Growing Shade and Brilliant Blooms with the Tulip Poplar Tree
The Tulip Poplar tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a fast-growing native hardwood known for its golden fall foliage, tulip-shaped spring blooms, and towering height. It provides quick shade, seasonal interest, and supports local wildlife that's perfect for large landscapes and native gardens.
The Tulip Poplar tree actually is not a poplar at all but is a member of the magnolia family. The tulip poplar leaves are tulip-shaped and simple. The yellow poplar leaf is smooth on both surfaces, dark green and lustrous above, and often pale with a slight whitish bloom beneath.
This beautiful tree is covered in light, greenish-yellow tulip-shaped flowers with an orange band from April to June in the summer months. The tulip poplar flower puts on a gorgeous display during the spring and summer blooming season.
It is a prolific seed bearer, but it has low percent germination. The cone-shaped fruit clusters usually persist on branches with weak wood.
The yellow tulip tree also features fantastic yellow color. The bright green leaves turn golden yellow for great fall color before falling to the ground as all deciduous trees do. The Tulip Poplar tree is a favorite wildlife system for beavers and porcupines who frequently nest near these trees or use the wood to build beaver dams.
Tulip Poplar Tree Care
The Tulip Poplar does best on moderately moist, deep, well-drained, loose-textured soils. It rarely grows well in very dry or very wet situations or in clay soils. Plant this bright yellow poplar in full to partial sun.
Can be grown over most of the United States in the department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 4-9. This fast-growing tree is especially popular in eastern north America. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana have named this native tree as their state tree. A great choice for a fast-growing shade tree as well.
Be sure to water well the first year of planting to establish a strong root system so the Liriodendron tulipifera can last for years to come. Not shipped bare root, it is rooted in a pot with soil. It is very easy to plant and will come with planting instructions.
Tulip Poplar Growth Rate
This tree is rapidly growing and will eventually grow up to a mature height of 80 to 120 feet tall and a trunk diameter of 2 to 5 feet. Young trees have a pyramidal form. The fast growth rate is up to 2-3 feet per year if planted in full sun.
Why Shop With Perfect Plants?
When you order Tulip Poplar online be sure to buy from a direct grower like Perfect Plants. Since 1980, our family-run farm in sunny Florida has nurtured strong, healthy trees with expert care. Grown under ideal conditions under the Florida Sun, your Tulip Poplar tree arrives ready to thrive.
Check out our Tulip Poplar tree for sale for beautiful yellow flowers year after year.
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Sunlight
Full Sun
Flower Color
Chartreuse
Foliage Color
Green / Yellow
Mature Width
35-45 ft
Mature Height
80-120 ft
Growing Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
FAQs for Tulip Poplar Tree