Tulip Tree - Liriodendron tulipifera
This striking Carolinian species is only found in the most southern parts of Ontario, but is much more common in the southern United States. This majestic species usually lives to be 150 years old but can live up to 300, and can grow up to 35 to 50 m tall! It is sometimes used in landscaping and makes a beautiful addition to any backyard, but it does require a lot of open space. The Tulip-Tree gets its common and scientific names from the tulip-shaped yellow-green blooms that it produces every spring, as well as the lobed shape of the leaves.
Tulip Trees have an upright form.
The blooms are spectacular!
These once surrounded the developing fruit.
The leaves are very distinctive - they are our only 4 lobed leaves.
Tulip Trees turn a bright yellow in the fall.
Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Tulip Trees. 1995-1999.
References
Farrar, J.L.. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. Toronto. ON. 504 pp.
Kershaw, L. 2001. Trees in Ontario: Including tall shrubs. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton. AB. 240 pp
Muma, W. 2011. Ontario Trees and Shrubs. [Online] Available: www.ontariotrees.com
OMNR, 2011. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario Tree Atlas. [Online] Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ClimateChange/2ColumnSubPage/267027.html
OMNR, 2008. Ontario’s Biodiversity: Species at Risk.