Tulip-tree

Survived in North America

To the layman the tulip tree is synonymous with the magnolia. The tulip tree belongs to the same family but to a different genus, Liriodendron. The genus name comes from the Greek meaning ‘lily tree’. The flowers of this tree resemble a lily but also the tulip, hence the vernacular name tulip tree. Magnolia produces flowers long before the leaves break bud but Liriodendron only flowers when the tree is in full leaf. The green-orange flowers are tucked away amongst the leaves so they are often overlooked.

The tulip tree is widely planted as an ornamental tree due to the magnificent leaves. Some 10 to 20 million years ago the genus Liriodendron grew across the northern hemisphere but was driven out of Europe during the Ice Age.

Liriodendron can reach up to 60 m in height when grown in its area of origin in North America, and is used for timber production. In the Netherlands it grows to a maximum height of 35 m and because of its attractive yellow-white, tulip-like flowers and yellow autumnal displays make it an ideal tree for parks. After the leaves have fallen what remains is a beautiful winter silhouette of coarse branching. During the summer large, cone-like fruits develop that are up to 10 cm long and inside which are spiralled winged nutlets.

Leiden Botanic Garden

The tulip tree is one of the tallest trees in the Leiden Botanic Garden and has been growing in the Front Garden since 1715. This species is native to the eastern United States and has been in cultivation in England since 1663. It is a remarkable tree - the trunk is thickened at the base forming a ‘club root’, a habit shared by other tulip trees.