By Jhett Myers

Yellow poplar or Liriodendron tulipifera as its referred too scientifically is a tree in the magnolia family or Magnoliaceae that is native to most of the eastern United States and some of south-eastern Canada. The tree’s leaves resemble tulip flowers, hence the reference to tulip in its scientific name and some common names. Yellow poplar is a fine tree for ornamental use, being able to withstand and thrive in various climates, as well as various soils. It provides shade for people and food for animals it is a good tree for a park where its size will not be an issue. Yellow poplar is among the largest trees native to North America with one having reached 191.8 feet (Blozan.) However, despite its wide range the tree grows best in the southern Appalachian Mountains where it reaches a typical height of 150 feet with a diameter of 8 feet. The plant has seen use in honey production, timber production, and recreational use. The tree is also relatively free of damage causing pests with only four having real economic impact, those being Tuliptree scale, the yellow-poplar weevil, the rootcollar borer, and the Columbian timber beetle; however most do not kill the tree, and usually just slow the tree down which can let competition (other nearby trees) have an advantage over it.

This image shows the golden fall color that the yellow poplar gets.

Its long history predates colonial times as it was used for its easily workable wood that was suitable for canoe and utensil making by American Indians. Soon after the arrival of colonists, they also learned of its many uses. Today the variety of uses is even greater. Frequently, yellow poplar is used in construction and furniture making. It is considered one of the most valuable commercial species of the eastern United States due to its versatility. The yellow poplar has value in all fields that it is put into, from the timber mill to the landscape.

Some tips for identifying the yellow poplar would be its leaf that is simple, alternately arranged with a pinnate venation One look at the leaf, and there’s no mistaking it for anything else. It is commonly seen in parks being frequented by people for it’s shade, animals for the food it provides, and bees for the nectar the tree produces. The recreational/landscape potential is plenty for this tree offers many vibrant colors all year, from pretty flowers in the spring to the many fall colors it displays, and its large, broad size make it a great shade tree.

Due to the widespread and various uses of the tree it has many cultivars, to name a few there is Emerald City® tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'JFS-Oz') which has darker green leaves and gets up to 55 feet, Little Volunteer (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer') tuliptree is a dwarf cultivar only reaching 35 feet with smaller leaves. Upright tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Arnold' or 'Fastigiatum') is narrow and branches upright usually reaching 50 feet. Ultimately, the yellow poplar is a tree for people of all walks of life, its many uses to be enjoyed due to its great versatility.