Tulip Poplar
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Spacing: 40-50'
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
Tulip Poplar, a.k.a. Tuliptree or Yellow Poplar, is a noble native shade tree with fantastic green and orange tulip-like flowers in late spring. Rising straight and true, this large legacy tree quickly lends a majestic air to country estates and spacious suburban lots. It’s also one of the best trees you can plant to support local wildlife, such as hummingbirds and honeybees, as well as the beautiful tiger swallowtail butterfly, which uses Tulip Poplar as a favored host plant to feed its young. Plant it within view of a second-story window for a first-row seat at the “Tulip Blossom Festival” you’ll look forward to each year!
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Spacing: 40-50'
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
The Story
George Washington planted his now famous Tulip Poplar trees on the grounds of Mount Vernon, his home on the Potomac River in Virginia, 1785. Now more than 200 years later these trees stand over 100 feet tall. To date these trees have produced over 1000 descendants! This more than makes up for his cutting down his father’s Cherry Tree.
The Details
I don't think anyone will be tiptoeing through these tulips! Tulip Poplars are fairly large trees native to the eastern United States. Large bright green - almost square - leaves turn to golden yellow in fall. These fast-growing trees also produce a unique greenish tulip-like flower in June. Inside these extraordinary flowers is a large seed head (similar to the Magnolia, to which the Tulip Poplar is related) which some birds find quite irresistible!
How to Grow
Tulip Poplars are desired by people who appreciate the unique foliage, the tulip-shaped flowers, and the overall shape of the tree. These large trees are very easy to grow. Tulip Poplars are fast growers and they prefer full sun and moist soil. To keep your Tulip Poplar healthy, apply a medium rate fertilizer yearly for the first 3 or 4 years, preferably in the fall. The main pest problem that may occur with the Tulip Poplar is aphids. These tiny insects secrete a sticky residue, called “honeydew.” This honeydew can be a nuisance by dripping from the leaves and creating a sticky mess on anything below the tree’s canopy – a good reason not to plant it near the house, street, or patio. Insecticides can control aphids although harsh chemical insecticides can kill beneficial insects as well as the aphids; beneficial insects are attracted to aphids and the honeydew. If the aphids don’t seem to be a big nuisance, you can skip the insecticide and allow some beneficial insects, such as lady bugs, to take care of them for you.
More Info
Size Guide
Scale
Size B
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size B Trees:
9-10' tall. Grown in our #15 tree container with very strong stem caliper over 1 1/2". Well branched and pruned, full canopy and structure. Sweet! We grow these very well!
Size C Trees:
10-12' Tall. Grown in our #20 or #25 tree container. With strong stem caliper over 2" well branched and pruned. Full canopy and structure.
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