tulip tree

(botany) Liriodendron tulipifera. A tree belonging to the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae) distinguished by leaves which are squarish at the tip, true terminal buds, cone-shaped fruit, and large greenish-yellow and orange-colored flowers. Also known as tulip poplar.

A tree Liriodendron tulipfera, also known in forestry as yellow poplar, belonging to the magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. One of the largest and most valuable hardwoods of eastern North America, it is native from southern New England and New York westward to southern Michigan, and south to Louisiana and northern Florida.

Botanically, this tree is distinguished by leaves which are squarish at the tip as if cut off, true terminal buds flattened and covered by two valvate scales, an aromatic odor resembling that of magnolia, and cone-shaped fruit which is persistent in winter. The name tulip refers to the large greenish-yellow and orange-colored flowers.

The wood of the tulip tree is light yellow to brown, hence the common name yellow poplar, which is a misnomer. It is a soft and easily worked wood, used for construction, interior finish, containers (boxes, crates, baskets), woodenware, excelsior, veneer, and sometimes for paper pulp. See also Magnoliales.