Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands

Common name: Amerikaanse tulpenboom, Tulip tree, Yellow poplar, Tulip poplar, Canary whitewood, Tulipier de Virginie

Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia)

Distribution: Eastern North America

Hardiness: Zone 04

Life form: Tree

Comments: The tulip tree, one of the highest trees in our botanic garden, has been in our Front Garden since around 1715. The species is native to the eastern United States and has been cultivated in England since 1663. It is a striking tree: the trunk forms a thick clump at the base, a growth form that is known from other tulip trees. Trees of this species grow large eventually, up to a height of 30 metres. The tulip tree grows fast in the Dutch climate. The tree can reach 10-15 metres within 10 years. The terminal buds of the green-brown twigs are flattened and purple in colour. The leaves, flowers and seeds are also remarkable. The big leaves (7-12 cm wide) with 4 striking lobes seem to have had their tops cut off. The upper side is bright green in colour, the lower side is grey-green. In autumn the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow. Tulip trees only flower at a later age. The flowers appear in June and their shape resembles a tulip, hence the name.