Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
A fast-growing native giant that rewards patient gardeners with unique tulip-shaped flowers in spring and distinctive four-lobed leaves that turn golden-yellow in fall. This impressive tree can become a true landscape specimen, offering both beautiful blooms and exceptional height for those with adequate space.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
80-120 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Tulip Tree in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Tulip Tree · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 80 ft. 0 in. - 120 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 30 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet, more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Grafting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The tree produces an aggregate of samaras (2 to 3 inches long, 3/4 of an inch wide) which turn brown and separate at maturity throughout the winter. Fruit is available September-October.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Samara. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Fire, Rabbits, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Resistant to fire. White-tailed deer browse the foliage and twigs, but this tree is considered to be moderately deer resistant.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade under tulip tree canopy, complementary foliage textures
Ferns
Grows well in dappled shade and moist conditions beneath tulip trees
Azaleas
Both prefer slightly acidic soil and azaleas benefit from filtered light
Dogwood
Native understory tree that naturally grows beneath tulip trees in forest settings
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that thrives in the shade and leaf litter of tulip trees
Trillium
Spring ephemeral that completes growth cycle before tulip tree leafs out fully
Coral Bells
Tolerates partial shade and adds colorful foliage beneath the canopy
Astilbe
Thrives in partial shade with consistent moisture from tree's canopy protection
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to tulip trees and inhibits their growth
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Competes aggressively for similar soil nutrients and growing space
Norway Maple
Dense canopy blocks light and shallow roots compete heavily with tulip tree
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally healthy, some susceptibility to leaf spot and canker
Common Pests
Tulip tree scale, aphids, weevils
Diseases
Sooty mold, leaf spot, canker, verticillium wilt