The American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is also known as the tulip poplar or yellow poplar. It is one of the largest native trees in eastern North America and has beautiful large pale green or yellow flowers. It represents one of the more primitive flowering plants in existance today along with the other Magnolias.
Liriodendron tulipifera has had many common names. While the most common name is the American Tulip Tree, it has all been called the Tulip Magnolia, the Tulip Poplar, the Yellow Poplar, the Tuliptree and Whitewood. The common name of 'poplar' is misleading though as the tree is not a poplar (poplars are in the family Salicaceae and represent common species like the cottonwood tree).
The American Tulip Tree is found mainly in the eastern United States in deciduous forests. It is found mostly east of the Mississippi River. It is found as far south as northern Florida and as far north as southern Ontario. The following map was produced from a USGS map of the tree's distribution.
