Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera
Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Eastern United States. It grows 18–30 m (59–98 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan Tulip tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tulip tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 18–30 m (59–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Tulip tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No significant toxicity is reported for people; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tulip tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Tulip tree in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Longwood Gardens (1 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (7 plants)
Questions about Tulip tree
- How far apart should I plant Tulip tree?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Tulip tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tulip tree need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Tulip tree?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Tulip tree flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tulip tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. No significant toxicity is reported for people; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with Tulip tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tulip tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Fast-growing, large and brittle in storms; flowers are high in the canopy and appear after 10-15 years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
- Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata
- Champak Magnolia champaca
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus