AMERICAN TULIP TREE (liriondendron tulipifera)
The American tulip tree– also known as the tulip poplar, whitewood, fiddletree, lynn–tree, hickory-poplar, yellow-poplar, and canoe wood– is the only tree of its genus in North America. The only other species in the world that is similar to the tulip tree is the Liriodendron chinense, which is native to China and Vietnam.
This unique tree is notable for its tremendous size– the species is fast-growing and can reach up to 190 feet– and also for its yellow hues. In the spring, buttery yellow flowers bloom on the tulip tree, and in the autumn, the foliage is luminous gold. The tulip tree supports other trees in the old-growth forest through its fire-resistant traits– because the tulip tree lacks low branches, it can prevent forest fires from reaching the canopy and spreading.
Ecological Relationships: The tulip tree is browsed by white-tailed deer. Its seeds are eaten by many birds, including the northern bobwhite, purple finch, northern cardinal, goldfinch, chickadees, as well as squirrels and mice. Its flowers attract moths, beetles, flies, long-tongued bees, and hummingbirds.
Ecological Trees: Yellow-poplar weevil, tulip tree scales, root collar borer moths, Columbian timber beetles.