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Woody > Liriodendron > Liriodendron tulipifera > Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera


Tulip Tree




Origin:  Carolinian, native as far north in Ontario, Canada as Ipperwash on the shores of Lake Huron. Liriodendron comes from the Greek word 'leirion', which means lily and 'dendron', meaning tree.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

A class tree that is under used, where excellent horticultural forms such as 'Fastigiatum' exist. Interesting for large landscapes where the masses of flowers can be viewed at a distance.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Magnoliaceae
Genus
Liriodendron
Species
tulipifera
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
6b - 7a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
5b - 6a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H6 - H7
Temperature (°C)
-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)
-5 - 5
Height
more than 12 m
Spread
more than 8 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
June
General Description
This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
Landscape
Suited to large areas where it will have room to grow such as parks and institutional grounds. Horticultural forms are more compact and suited to residential uses.
Cultivation
Grow in average soil that is well-drained. Transplant in the spring only.
Shape
Tall and narrow, almost pyramidal but becoming more broad canopied with age.
Growth
Fast
ID Characteristic
Mitten-like, terminal buds are chestnut-coloured. Large, orange-yellow flowers up to 10 cm across. Leaves are similar in shape to a formal tulip flower.
Pests
No serious pests or diseases of note. Aphids and the associated sooty mould can occasionally be a problem.
Habitat
River valleys.
Bark/Stem Description
Grey with long, close ridges.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Mitten-shaped, chestnut brown in colour, valvate.
Leaf Description
Simple, 8 - 20 cm across with a flat or truncate apex. Bi-lobed, giving the leaf a boxy appearance.
Flower Description
Lightly scented, orange-yellow, up to 10 cm across, six-petalled.
Fruit Description
Similar to a small cone but composed of individual samaras, 8 cm long, light grey when mature and persisting into the winter months.
Colour Description
Pale green leaves, lighter on the underside.
Texture Description
Medium to fine.
Notable Specimens
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Glendurgan Garden, Falmouth, Cornwall, England. Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
Propagation
By seed stratified at 5°C for 90 days in moist peat.
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