Tuliptrees are deciduous trees with long, valvate buds. Leaves are lobed and long-petioled. The stipular scar encircles the twig. Flowers are showy, terminal inflorescences. The solitary fruit is a cone-like structure consisting of numerous winged seeds.
Liriodendron tulipifera–Tulip Tree (Yellow-Poplar)
Tuliptree (Yellow-Poplar)–Liriodendron tulipifera
The yellow-poplar received its name from the yellow color of its heartwood. The name "tuliptree" was a result of its attractive, tulip-like flowers. Whatever you wish to call it, tuliptree is one of the largest and more valuable hardwood trees of the United States. It occurs commonly throughout the state except in the central and northwestern sections. The tuliptree reaches its largest size in the deep, moist soils and coves of southeastern Ohio.
The yellow-poplar is most commonly seen at heights of 60—100 feet with diameters of 3—4 feet, although it may attain a much larger size. Young trees have a pyramidal head which in older age becomes more spreading. This tree has a straight, central trunk, like the white pine, and is often clear of limbs for 30—50 feet. The tree has been extensively cut but is reproducing rapidly and remains one of the most abundant and valuable trees in our young, second-growth forests. It is planted for ornamental purposes as well as for shade.
|
|
|
|
| Tuliptree (Yellow-Poplar) |
The leaves are simple and 4—6 inches (10—15 cm) in length and breadth. Leaves are distinctive and make this tree easy to identify. The large terminal lobe is either square or notched across the top of the lobe (emarginate). The three-lobed leaves are dark green in the summer and turn a clear yellow in the fall.
Twigs are reddish-brown and glabrous. The stipular scar encircles the twig. Terminal buds are flattened with two outer scales (valvate). The bark of the main trunk is medium gray, and lightly-furrowed vertically, with light gray mottling.
Flowers are borne on branch terminals. The large, greenish-yellow and orange, tulip-shaped flowers appear in May or early June. Flowers are normally hidden from view as they are borne after the foliage is expanded and high in the canopy. Fruit matures in October. The fruit is a narrow, light brown, upright cone 2—3 inches (5—71/2 cm) long made up of numerous seeds. Each seed is enclosed in a hard, bony coat with a wing. The winged seed is easily carried by the wind.
The wood is light, soft, and easily worked. Wood is light yellow or brown with a thick, cream-colored sapwood. It is extensively cut into lumber for interior and exterior trim, veneers, turnery, and other high-grade uses.