Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a deciduous tree found in mid-western and eastern United States and Ontario in Canada. This tree is a host plant to three species of butterfly and one species of moth. The large yellow flowers come out in the spring. It tends to grow in floodplains and places where there is moist soil, but it can handle places that are occasionally dry. Being on the one of the tallest trees it can reach a height of 150 feet tall.
Taxonomy and History of Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Taxonomy
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) was described and named by Carl Von Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum. It has kept the same name since. This plant is a member of the Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae). It is one of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.
Tuliptree Description and Alternative Names
Description
Tuliptree is a deciduous tree that can grow to up to 150 feet tall. When planted in a landscape situation it can be smaller. The alternate, simple, entire leaves range from 4 to 6 inches in length and width, although sometimes it can be more with shade leaves. They are shaped like a tulip, hence the name of the tree. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the spring.
Alternative Names
This plant is also known as Yellow Poplar, Tulip Tree, and Tulip Poplar.
Range and Habitat
Range
This species is native in the midwest and eastern United States, except for the extreme northeast. In Canada, it is found in Ontario.
Habitat
This tree is often found in floodplains and places where there is nutrient rich soil.
Insects and Other Wildlife it Supports
Host Species
This tree is a host to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus), Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus), and the Tuliptree Silk Moth (Callosamia angulifera).
Other Wildlife Value
The flowers attract bees, hummingbirds and other birds. The seeds are eaten by deer and gray squirrels.
Interesting Facts
The genus name, Liriodendron, is Latin for tree for flowers. The species name, tulipifera, refers to the tulip shape of the flowers. (Missouri Botanical Garden).