Liriodendron is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Magnoliaceae family, which consists of just two species. Liriodendron chinense is native to both Vietnam and China, and Liriodendron tulipifera is found in the northeastern areas of North America and is much more common. It is most frequently called tulip tree, but is also known as yellow magnolia, tulip poplar or yellow poplar, though it is not related to the poplar family at all. These trees are recognized by their beautiful flowers, which appear in early spring.
The large, bright green leaves of the liriodendron trees are four-lobed with fine white veins, and grow oppositely on long stems. The yellow, cup-shaped flowers have darker yellow centers with long stamens and look very similar to those of the tulip plants. Individual flowers are from 1 inch to 2 inches (2.5 cm to 5 cm) across and sit upright on their stems, well above the leaves. When the flowers are done blooming in mid-spring, they leave behind a green, cone-shaped fruit that turns brown in the fall and remains on the tree throughout winter.
These types of plants grow to an average of 40 feet (12 m) tall, with older trees reaching well more than 100 feet (30 m), so they are not for small yards or gardens. They require a great deal of room, so they are best used for landscaping large properties, and make good shade trees. Though its flowers do not last long, the liriodendron leaves turn a bright golden yellow in fall, giving this tree additional appeal for landscaping.
These trees are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and are quite cold hardy, surviving the most frigid winters. They are not tolerant of extreme drought, very hot weather, or standing water. Rich, fertile soil and bright sunlight will produce the best growth and flower production.
Liriodendron trees can be easily started from seed but may take as long as eight years or more to flower. They can also be started from tree grafts, which will usually result in quicker growth and earlier flowering. Cuttings root easily but are also slower to grow to blooming size.
While they are resistant to gypsy moth damage, the leaves of these trees are eaten by many different types of insects that rarely cause significant damage. Tulip scale, however, is common among saplings and smaller trees, causing a decrease in sap and inhibiting growth. This causes the small trees to be overtaken by larger, faster-growing varieties, resulting in the death of the liriodendrons.
These trees are considered excellent honey plants, producing a very dark, strong-tasting honey that is used in baking, but which is considered too robust for table use. Liriodendron wood is useful for inexpensive lumber and is valued by carpenters for its stability. It is strictly for indoor use though, because the wood is too soft to be durable when exposed to the elements.