For an impressive shade tree that makes an enormous impact on the landscape, try this gorgeous native hardwood tree with a long foothold in American history! However, we do have a confession to make. During the Revolutionary War, the Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is commonly planted as "Liberty trees" that were immediately cut down when found by the British soldiers. George Washington even featured them at his Mount Vernon estate. The Tulip tree is so beautiful, that museums and botanical gardens across the country have Tulip Tree walks, where paths are lined with these remarkable trees. Just take a good look at the photos and you'll understand why it's nicknamed the "Tulip" tree or Yellow Poplar, and even Tuliptree. But we have a confession. The Tulip Poplar is neither a Tulip nor a Poplar! Instead, this is a native relative of the Magnolia family, and you know they have a big effect each spring, summer and autumn! Just take a good look at the photos and you'll understand why it's nicknamed the Tulip tree or Yellow Poplar. Like everything else about this standout shade tree, the big tulip-shaped blooms make a huge statement! Easily one of the most balanced growth of all the shade trees, this upright tree has a stately appearance from a young age! In spring, this shapely tree is absolutely covered with flowers. The greenish-yellow flowers are each splotched with dabs of neon orange! These bright cupped blooms have a wonderful Magnolia family fragrance and bring a whole lot of visual interest! Don't worry, the huge flowers are in perfect scale with instantly recognizable, oversized leaves. These bright green leaves have an endearing modified star shape. Oh, and the fall color? The unique leaves turn a brilliant, blaze-yellow in autumn. What a standout! Planting and Application: This is the perfect tree for lining a drive or walkway as the roots stay deep and the tree is not messy. Place this wonderful hardwood tree on the south or southwest side of your house to give invaluable dappled shade to a patio or picture window. You'll love the lowered cooling costs in summer! Block the hot afternoon sun from family activities and provide welcome relief from the summer heat. Site the tree where you'll see the flower display in spring and its fall show from inside your home! Don't miss a moment of the "wow" factor this tree delivers! Like many native trees, Tulip Poplar is a great hideaway tree for birds. Birds love to build their nests in it. Watch for hummingbirds and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies who love to sip the nectar from the incredible flowers. Plus these natives play Host Plant to the Tuliptree Silkmoth and Tiger Swallowtail larvae. Pair this beauty up with other fall coloring trees that feed birds and shelter wildlife for a great contrast of color in the autumn landscape that serves as a hotel and buffet for your feathered friends. Incredible Fragrant Early Spring Flowers Large Leaves with Golden & Yellow Fall Color Great Hardwood Tree & Native Deep Roots, Easy Fall Clean-Up & Fast Growing Good Lawn Tree, Shade Tree, Bird Habitat & Pollinator-Friendly #ProPlantTips for Care: Disease and pest resistant, this is a versatile full sun tree that's been commemorated as the State Tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its natural conical canopy requires no extra maintenance. Native to the Eastern United States, this easy-care tree is highly adaptable to many different types of soils. It even thrives in wet soil. Don't forget that this tree is also quite adaptable to the extremely hot and dry climates of zone 9 in the Western United States. Prune in late winter or early spring before it starts to grow, and it's important for this fast-growing tree to maintain a central leader and an open crown to allow wind to blow through it. Give it plenty of room to reach its full size. There is nothing sadder than a magnificent Tulip Tree that wants to grow up straight and tall having to contort and bend in a too-crowded neighborhood. Plan ahead for the best results! Now, everyone wants to know how fast trees will grow, so you'll be pleased to know that this strong, hardy tree will grow up to 2 feet a year! Although it's a fast-growing tree, a bit of patience is needed before you start seeing the flowers develop. Because the leaves are large - measuring up to 5 inches long, they make yearly cleanup a snap! Full Sun Adaptable to Most Well-Drained Soils Thrives in Well-Drained Moderately Moist Conditions Disease & Pest Resistant Prune Late Winter or Early Spring For the discerning homeowner, this large shade tree really has it all - a great form all year-long, magnificent fragrant spring flowers, easy-breezy care requirements and knockout fall color. The Tulip Poplar is a North American treasure! For homeowners that require their plants to work hard to earn their place in the landscape, Tulip Poplar definitely delivers! Order today from NatureHills.com and get started growing your legacy "Liberty Tree" for your landscape! Explore More from Nature Hills The Tulip Poplar stands out among fast growing trees for its impressive height and distinctive tulip-shaped blooms that make it a favorite in our flowering trees collection. This adaptable native thrives in various climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners exploring zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs or zone 6 plants, trees & shrubs. For more guidance on selecting the right trees for your landscape, check out our guide on Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring.
