The Tulip Tree

Yesterday, I showed you the overall shape of Liriodendron tulipifera. Today I'll show you more about it. I looked for some older pictures of the blossoms, but don't have any, so you'll have to wait and hope I get to that trail at the right time. They are really cool.

What I do have for you is last year's blossoms. Well, not really, but this is the seed case, which is pretty spectacular, too!



This tree likes sun and damp areas. It's usually found at the edges of woods, in wetlands. I think maybe this tree was planted because it is on a hill, and away from other trees.



At this time of year, the leaves were just beginning to unfold from the bud. It's like a secret... what will they look like?



Here is the bark on this mature tree. The wood was historically popular with furniture makers. It is light, smooth and soft. It was usually called yellow poplar, but it is not a poplar at all. It's actually related to the magnolia. It was used a lot for drawers and veneer.

It rained lightly all day. And, guess what? Flowers are blooming. Come back tomorrow and see the earliest blooms that have popped here.

See Shapes of Trees for the tulip silhouette