Native plant of the month: Liriodendron tulipifera, or tulip tree
June’s native plant spotlight at Wellfield is the majestic tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), indigenous to eastern North America, including Indiana. Adorning parks and thoroughfares with its resplendent blooms, this tree boasts showy flowers and requires minimal upkeep. Its stunning golden foliage in autumn adds to its allure in landscaping. Towering between 60 to 150 feet, it claims the title of tallest North American hardwood and belongs to the Magnolia family.
Once abundant in its native habitat, the tulip tree’s sturdy hardwood was prized for railroad ties and fencing. Thriving in zones 5 to 9, it favors acidic, well-drained soil and full sunlight. Remarkably, it can shoot up over two feet in a single year, earning its reputation as a rapid grower.
Named for its tulip-like flowers and leaves, these trees typically bloom after 15 years. Although our specimens at Wellfield are still maturing and haven’t blossomed yet, their showy two-inch yellow blooms, tinged with orange, grace the landscape from late May to mid-June—hence its selection as June’s native plant feature.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, tulip tree flowers are a magnet for pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, offering nectar for their sustenance. Moreover, tulip tree silkmoth and tiger swallowtail caterpillars rely on this tree as their host plant, with the former exclusively depending on it for their larval stage.
Tulip trees stand as cherished natives throughout the eastern United States. With its robustness, rapid growth, sun tolerance, vibrant blooms, autumnal hues, and role as a pollinator magnet, this canopy giant proves an excellent choice for any landscape design. At Wellfield Botanic Gardens, we’re highlighting the significance of native species in our ecosystem through our native plant of the month series. Keep an eye out for next month’s featured plant, and in the meantime, come visit the Gardens and see if you can spot a majestic tulip tree in all its glory!
