Tulip Poplar Live Stakes

Tulip Poplar Live Stakes 

The tulip poplar (liriodendron tulipifera) is reported to be the tallest hardwood tree in eastern North America. It is also sometimes called the tulip magnolia, whitewood, tulip tree, yellow-magnolia, tulipwood, and fiddletree among other names.

Flower Characteristics
This tree is actually a part of the magnolia family, and it is not a true poplar tree. It makes for a great ornamental tree as it produces beautiful, fragrant flowers. These tulip shaped flowers are a showy greenish-yellow in color, with an orange band or cup on the tepals. Blooms form rapidly from April to June, depending on location.

Leaves, Bark, and Twig Characteristics
The leaves are unique but simple, measuring at about five to six inches long and wide. The top of the leaves are smooth and shiny, with bright, dark green color. The color underneath is a more pale green, with downy veins. Tulip poplar trees are deciduous, which means they do lose their leaves each winter. However, in the fall the leaves turn into a remarkable clear, bright yellow. This brilliant yellow foliage is one of many reasons the tulip poplar is a popular choice to be utilized for ornamental purposes.

The bark of a younger tulip poplar is relatively smooth and light ashy-gray in color. As the tree ages, the bark becomes thick with deep interlacing furrows. Twigs are usually lustrous and smooth, with an olive to reddish-brown color.
Fruit characteristics
It bears a narrow, light brown cone formed from many samaras, which reach about two to three inches long. These cones are soft and fleshy, maturing from August to October and falling through late fall and winter. Uses
The tulip poplar serves wonderfully as a shade tree during the summer months. However, it is fast growing and may not be suited for all areas with its large size. At maturity, it can reach heights of 80-120 feet (or more) and 30-40 feet wide.