Liriodendron tulipifera

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Liriodendron tulipifera
TULIP-TREE

Magnoliaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates
H-26 (northwest side of old Science Building, next to main entrance), N 39°11'12'' W 75°32'30'';
Q-10 (south side of Baker Building), N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'45''; and
S-16 (south of Conrad Hall), N 39°11'6'' W 75°32'39''

Planting history: H-26: planting history presently unknown.
Q-10: planted by Dr. N. Dill, 1960’s-1970’s.
S-16: planting history presently unknown.

Description:
  • tall, straight, deciduous tree
  • etymology: Liriodendron from Greek leiron = lily, and dendron = tree; tulipifera = tulip-bearing
  • also called tulip-poplar, yellow-poplar (but not related to true poplar trees [Populus])
  • leaf shape unique (resembles cat face); aromatic when crushed; autumn foliage yellow. Leaves are eaten by caterpillars of the beautiful tiger swallowtail butterfly
  • flowers large, tulip-like; green with orange blotches; important honeybee flower in Delaware (in May)
  • fruit a cone-like aggregate cluster of dry winged fruits (samaras)
  • pith diaphragmed
  • tallest hardwood tree in eastern U.S. (maximum height ca 198 feet)
  • wood used for furniture; Native American Indians made canoes from hollowed-out tree-trunks; bark formerly used medicinally
  • there is only 1 other species of Liriodendron (in China)

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)

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    There are 3 labeled tulip trees.
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