All About the Tulip Poplar:
Scientific Nomenclature: Liriodendron tulipifera
Common Names: tulip poplar, yellow-poplar, tulip tree, canoewood, whitewood
Mature Height: 70–100 feet
Mature Spread: 35–50 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators, birds and mammals
Messiness: Cone-like samaras mature and drop from the tree in autumn. Tulip-like yellow flowers bloom in the spring and petals drop shortly after appearing. Leaves drop in autumn.
Shape: Oval/Round
Native to Kentucky: Yes
Preferred Soils: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic (<6.0pH) loam soils. This tree has very low tolerance to compacted soils.
Screening: Is not typically used a screening or privacy tree.
Drought Tolerance: Is intolerant of drought or heat.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: Does not require any pruning other than removing deadwood or broken limbs.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one tulip poplar will:
- Sequester ~1,292 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 421 gallons.