How fast does it grow?

It is a fast growing tree that can add several feet of height each year under good conditions.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers deep, moist, well drained soil and does not tolerate drought well.

Plant guide

Tulip tree.

Liriodendron tulipifera

Pronounced lee-ree-oh-DEN-dron too-lih-PIF-er-ah

Also known as American tuliptree, Bois-jaune, Canary Whitewood, Tulip Poplar, Tulip Tree, Tulip-tree, Tuliptree, Yellow Poplar

American tuliptree — Photo by Andrew Conboy (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The tulip tree is a majestic, fast growing native that stands out for its unique leaves and beautiful flowers. It thrives in deep, rich soil and needs plenty of room to reach its full potential. You will love how it brings a touch of the forest to your landscape.

Another photo of Tulip tree — Photo by Sandy Wolkenberg (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 70 to 90 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with deep, moist soil to keep it happy. Watch for yellowing leaves during dry spells, as it really dislikes drought. Keep an eye out for aphids or scale insects that might settle on the foliage.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially while the tree is getting established.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer once in early spring before new growth starts.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant winter months to remove dead or crossing branches.
Repotting: This tree is best suited for the ground, but if kept in a container, move it to a larger pot every few years.
Soil: Deep, moist, well drained loam
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 100 to 200 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic, but ingestion of large amounts of bark or leaves is not recommended.
Children: The winged seeds can be a choking hazard if swallowed by small children.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause seasonal allergies for some people during the bloom period.
Edibility: The bark and flowers are not considered edible and may cause stomach upset.

How to identify it

Distinctive four lobed tulip shaped leaves
Large greenish yellow flowers with orange bands
Straight tall trunk with furrowed bark
Cone like fruit clusters persist in winter

Height: 18 to 30m
Spread: 9 to 15m
Leaves: green, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: green, yellow, orange, 5 to 10cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: Spring, Autumn
Overwintering: No special care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range.
In containers: It is not suitable for containers due to its massive size and deep root system.

Seed propagation

Collect seeds in late autumn when they turn brown.
Store seeds in a cold, moist environment for 3 months to break dormancy.
Sow seeds in a well draining seed starting mix in early spring.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.

Plant shade tolerant shrubs underneath to create a layered forest effect.

Grows well with

Eastern Redbud · It thrives in the dappled shade provided by the larger tulip tree.
Flowering Dogwood · These understory trees benefit from the protection of the tulip tree canopy.

Similar species

Magnolia · Both are members of the Magnoliaceae family with similar flower structures.

Science

Family: Magnoliaceae
Genus: Liriodendron
Order: Magnoliales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern North America
Conservation: This species is widespread and not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in deep, rich forest soils and is a pioneer species in disturbed areas.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, beetles, hummingbirds
Uses: shade tree, timber, honey production

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is a fast growing tree that can add several feet of height each year under good conditions.
Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers deep, moist, well drained soil and does not tolerate drought well.

Where the name comes from

The name Liriodendron comes from the Greek words for lily and tree, while tulipifera refers to the tulip like shape of the flowers.

Good to know

The flowers are often hidden by the dense canopy.
It is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The wood is often called yellow poplar.
It grows very rapidly when young.

Keep your tulip tree growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.