Description
Tulip Poplar Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera): A Fast Native Shade Tree
Tulip poplar is one of the largest native deciduous trees in eastern North America. It is not a true poplar. It belongs to the magnolia family and is grown for rapid height, a high canopy, distinctive four-lobed leaves, and tulip-shaped flowers.
On open sites it commonly reaches 60–90 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide. Your listing size of 70 × 35 reflects a typical landscape specimen. Growth is fast when soil stays moist. In late spring to early summer, established trees produce yellow to greenish-yellow flowers with an orange band at the base. Summer foliage is bright to medium green. Fall color is a clean, strong yellow. Mature bark becomes furrowed and adds winter texture.
Use seedling tulip poplar where you want maximum size and a native shade tree at scale. Choose Emerald City® when you need a straighter leader and a tighter 55 × 25 habit, or Arnold Fastigiata when you need a narrow 60 × 15 screen.



