By Ruth Seward, Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
The Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is large stately shade tree planted frequently over the past 11 years, in the Asian Long horned Beetle zone. Preferring full sun, this fast growing tree does best in zones 4-9. It makes a good city tree, in places that can handle larger shade trees, because its trunk grows very straight and its branches grow without significant structural problems. These trees are easily limbed up to minimize interference with pedestrians or cars. Mature Tulip Trees can reach up to 200 feet tall but usually top out between 100 to 150 feet with a 50 foot crown spread. They are magnificent trees and their fast growth rate, up to 24 inches each year, create shade cover relatively quickly.
Despite its name, the Tulip Poplar is not from the poplar family; instead it is part of the Magnolia family. Its lovely yellow spring flowers resemble some Magnolia blossoms and are fragrant in the springtime. Its leaves are the shape of a tulip flower, explaining the common name for the tree. The leaves become a soft shade of yellow in the fall. Native to the eastern United States, the Tulip Poplar tree was overharvested in this country to make railroad ties and fence posts. They are now less common in the natural landscape but they are making a comeback in cities and towns around Worcester. They provide food, nectar and shelter for wildlife in our area as well as ecological benefits of shade trees.
Our first American President, George Washington, planted Tulip Trees on his Mount Vernon estate. One of his first Tulip Poplar was planted in 1785 and the Tulip Poplars on the estate are registered Heritage trees. Poplar wood is light and extremely strong for its weight so it can be used when crafting small wooden boats. Sometimes the wood is referred to as canoe wood since Native Americans would hollow out large Tulip Poplar trunks to make canoes.
Already the 11 year old Tulip Trees in Worcester have grown to a sizable height, providing shade and wildlife habitat in the city scape. A good example of this tree is located in Dodge Park, Worcester, in the mini arboretum constructed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and Worcester Tree Initiative which showcases trees planted in the ALB response efforts. With its lovely structure, fragrant large flower and yellow fall leaf color, the Tulip Tree makes a wonderful addition to any landscape.