Liriodendron tulipifera |
Origin: Eastern North America
Zone Range: 4-9
Preferred Situation: Full sun; well draining evenly moist deep loamy soil.
Harvest Date: Friday 01 December, 2006
Description:
One of the most beautiful North American hardwoods growing straight, tall and with a pyrimidal symetrical form with upswept branches. The distinctive squarish lobed leaves makes it quite unique. Starting in May, the cupped large tulip shaped sweetly fragrant flowers start off greenish, but by June, open to a yellowish green with an orange band inside. Pollinators are rewarded with nectar produced in relative abundance. In autumn, the foliage turns a golden yellow. Truely spectacular. Grows to 30 meters in height with a 10 meter spread.
Notes:
Fast growing tree suitable for urban planting, specimen and for shade. Another member of the vast Magnolia family. Not happy when growing in full shade. Valuable lumber tree. First Nations used the roots as a medicinal. Shallow root systems. Not summer drought tolerant when young or under extreme drought conditions. Relatively pest free. Seen plenty growing strong and tall in the boulevards in Nanaimo.
Cultivation:
Soak seed for 12-24 hours. Seed needs 90 days of cold stratification. Sow 7 mm deep in sandy loam. Germinate at 20 C. Should see little sprouts in 30-60 days. Use large containers as the little seedlings can grow 60 cm in their first season and the last thing they need is to be is root bound. Can put on incredible growth in the right spot.
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