1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to eastern North America; introduced to the UK in the 17th century as an ornamental tree.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – loses its leaves each autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Distinctive, large (8–15 cm), four-lobed leaves with a squared-off tip, resembling a tulip outline or a cat’s head. Glossy green in summer, turning bright yellow in autumn. Arranged alternately on twigs.
Bark: Grey and smooth when young; becomes furrowed and ridged with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Striking tulip-shaped flowers (green-yellow with orange at the base) appear in late spring to early summer. Cone-like clusters of winged seeds (samaras) follow in autumn.
Overall shape: Tall, straight trunk with a broad, pyramidal crown that becomes more rounded with age.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall on average in the UK, though in the USA it can exceed 50m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widely planted in parks, gardens, and large estates across the UK. Prefers sheltered positions with deep, fertile soils. Rarely found naturalised in the wild.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Unmistakable “tulip-shaped” leaves with flat tips.
Large, showy, tulip-like flowers high in the crown.
Tall, straight growth with a symmetrical, formal look.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: New leaves emerge; flowers appear in late spring.
Summer: Dense green canopy with striking flowers (though often high up and less visible from below).
Autumn: Leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow.
Winter: Bare branches reveal tall, clean trunk and ridged bark.
8. Human Uses
Valued as an ornamental tree for avenues, parks, and estates.
In North America, timber (“yellow poplar” or “tulipwood”) is used for furniture, veneers, and plywood.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
Seeds eaten by squirrels and some birds.
Less valuable to UK specialist wildlife compared with native species.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Despite the name, the tulip tree is not related to tulips; the name comes from the tulip-like shape of both the flowers and leaves.
Thomas Jefferson planted many tulip trees at Monticello, making it a symbol of American gardens.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Dislikes shallow, chalky, or compacted ground.
Light: Needs full sun for best growth and flowering.
Watering: Water regularly until well established; moderately drought-tolerant afterwards but benefits from moisture in dry spells.
Spacing: Allow at least 8–10 m radius for full growth; not suitable for small plots.
Aftercare: Mulch base to retain soil moisture. Stake when young if in exposed sites. Minimal pruning needed beyond removing dead or crossing branches.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Performs well in large parks and wide boulevards, but needs space — not suitable for narrow streets or small front gardens.
Garden: Excellent feature tree for large gardens or estates; too large for small gardens.