Tulip Trees are large deciduous trees native to eastern North America.  They grow up to 90 feet tall, with trunks reaching 4-6 feet in diameter.  

Family:  Magnoliaceae

Flowers:  In spring, this tree produces cup shaped flowers.  The flowers are rarely seen, as they typically appear high on the tree, after the leaves have developed.  

Fruit:  Cone like aggregate of samaras. 

Fall Foliage:  Leaves turn an attractive golden yellow in fall. 

Ecological Value: Yellow-bellied sapsuckers use the phloem, and ruby-throated hummingbirds consume nectar from the flowers.  Provides cover for wildlife.  Has been planted in mine sites with other species as part of the reforestation process.  

Cultural Uses:  Native Americans made dugout canoes from Tulip Tree trunks. Wood can be used for furniture, plywood, boatbuilding, paper pulp and general lumber. 

Scientific Name:  The scientific names of plants are often descriptive.  In this instance, Lirio is derived from the Greek word for lily, dendron from the Greek word for tree; tulipifera means “tulip-bearing.” Both the flowers and the leaves are shaped like tulips!

Fun Facts:  This is the state tree of Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana.

Location at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden:  Throughout the Allegheny Plateau woodlands; most common in the vicinity of Bookworm Glen.  Young specimens can be seen growing along the edge of the Margaret Lawrence Simon Dogwood Meadow.