Tulip Poplar | Fourth and Gill Arboretum

Other Names:: American Tulip Tree, Tulipwood, Tuliptree, Whitewood, Fiddletree, and Yellow-poplar
Native to:: Eastern USA
Sidewalk Visibility:: Excellent
Public?: No
Diameter:
Conservation Status
Description:: Tennessee’s official state tree. Gorgeous pale yellow petals with light orange inner bands emerge in the spring and resemble its namesake: the tulip. These flowers produce large amounts of nectar and are an important species for insect pollinators. However, the honey produced from Tulip Poplars is quite strong (in flavor) and not typically sold for table use. For most of the year the Tulip Poplar is easy to identify by its unique violin-shaped leaves, which turn a bright yellow in autumn. The tree itself usually grows straight and tall (80 - 150 feet) and can live for 450+ years. It’s worth noting that, despite the common name, this is not in the poplar’s genus—it’s in the Liriodendron genus, which is Latin for “lily tree”. Commercially, it’s one of the most common utility hardwoods in America, valued for its straight (albeit somewhat soft), stable, and easy-to-work lumber.
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