These easy-care, fast-growing trees are easily identified by their spring flowers and showy leaf shapes.
The tulip tree’s flowers are yellowish-green, with a touch of orange on the outside.
The smooth green leaves are broadly lobed and turn vivid golden yellow in fall.
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The trees are best planted in early spring once the final frost has passed.
The cone-like fruit the blooms leave behind also adds ornamental value.
A member of theMagnolia family, tulip trees are known for their massive height and sturdy wood.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Early settlers used yellow poplar for railroad ties and fence posts.
A tulip tree will either get to its full width or full height, but not both.
The branches begin rather far up the straight trunk and are often arranged symmetrically.
The Spruce / K. Dave
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Light
Tulip trees prefer full sun or partial sun.
Full shade can stunt the tree’s growth and cause its leaves to turn brown.
The sunnier the area where you plant your tulip tree, the better.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Soil
These trees prefer slightly acidic, well-drained, deep soilamended with plenty of compost.
They can thrive, though, within a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0.
While it prefers normal moisture levels, it can tolerate drought in locations with high humidity.
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Fertilizer
Granular, liquid, or stake-typefertilizersare recommended for tulip trees.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Newly planted trees respond well to fertilization, but older trees generally don’t require it.
However, nitrogen fertilizers should not be used on newly planted trees.
However, they are not poplars at all and instead belong to the Magnoliaceae family.
Their large branches are not particularly sturdy and can pose a hazard.
you could harvest seeds in the fall, after the pods have dropped from the tree.
you could’t miss the seed pods since they look like little dried cone-like tulip flowers.
Take these steps:
Common Pests
Tulip trees attract tulip tree scales and tulip tree aphids.
Their feeding produces honeydew,which can lead to sooty mold.These pests are temporary and rarely require control measures.
Common Problems With Tulip Trees
This tree is relatively low-maintenance.
But they do present a few problems.
Not Flowering
Your tulip tree may not flower if it is young.
On the downside, it grows very fast and can quickly get too big for the average backyard.
In strong winds, the branches can break off and become a hazard.
The tulip-shaped flowers are fragrant.
Being in the magnolia family, they have a spicy smell like a magnolia.
The tulip tree (unliketulips) is not toxic to pets.
Tulip Tree Aphids and Scales.
NC State University Cooperative Extension.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Tulip Poplar.
