Height: 60-90 feet, but can be up to 200
Girth: 4-6 feet, but can be up to 10 Canopy Spread: 30-50 feet Life expectancy: Can live up to 300 years in ideal conditions, but some have been reported to live as long as 500 years. In urban areas, the life expectancy is shortened to 100-200 years. Wood: Diffuse porous |
The tulip tree has perfect flowers, meaning both reproductive organs are not only on the same tree, but also on the individual flower. The tree is also self-pollinating, and it flowers from May to June. |
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The wood of tulip trees is commonly used for construction grade lumber and plywood. It is used for cabinets, veneer, pulp, and furniture, as well as kindling. The tree itself is used in parks and yards, but it does poorly as a street tree. It's most common usage is a shade tree or a flowering tree. It has a gorgeous yellow color in the fall. In the past, tulip trees were used by Native Americans to create dugout canoes. Now, it is the state tree of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. |