Tuliptree

Liriodendron tulipifera

515 W. Summit Avenue

Between the curb and the sidewalk is an example of the largest member of the magnolia family. In the native woods of the eastern U.S., tuliptrees can exceed 150 feet in height. This one is 72 feet tall and 160 inches in circumference.

The name tuliptree comes from the tulip-like flowers that bloom in May and June. The large flowers are greenish-yellow with an orange base. They are generally not noticed because they are high in the tree and partially hidden by the leaves.

Tuliptree also goes by the names tulip magnolia and yellow-poplar. Yellow-poplar is a misnomer since the tree is not a poplar.

Tuliptrees can be identified in the summer by the leaves, which look like the silhouette of a cat face, and in the winter by the flat green "duck bill" buds.

Nominated by: Jim Markley