The tulip poplar, also known as yellow poplar, is the state tree of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. It is a member of the magnolia family and was named for its tulip-like flowers. The tree was heavily logged by early settlers and used for various purposes. It is a large, fast-growing shade tree that can reach up to 200 feet tall. The tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is not drought tolerant. It is still used today in furniture construction and reforestation projects.
The tulip poplar, or Liriodendron tulipifera, is the state tree of Tennessee. It is also the state tree of Kentucky and Indiana. This tree is actually a member of the magnolia family and not a true poplar. It was named for its striking yellow flowers that look like tulips. Also known as yellow poplar, this tree received its official designation as the state tree of Tennessee in 1947.
It was chosen to be a state symbol since it can be found throughout Tennessee and has been a major asset. The tulip poplars were heavily logged by early settlers and land barons. Pioneers generously used this Tennessee state tree for making baskets, boats, pulp, furniture, and various buildings, including their own homes and barns. They are sometimes called canoe trees since Native Americans used tulip aspens to build their canoes.
This deciduous tree is native to North America. It is a large, fast-growing shade tree that can reach a height of 200 feet (61 meters). Tulip poplar has a wide spread that is roughly half its height.
Tulip poplar leaves are also large. A mature leaf can be nearly 10 inches (25 centimeters) long and 8.5 inches (22 centimeters) wide. Tulip poplars can be identified when not in bloom by the unusual shape of their lobed leaves.
The brilliant yellow and orange flowers of the Tennessee state tree are about 3 inches deep. These flowers produce nectar which attracts hummingbirds and bees. Squirrels and birds are attracted to the fruit and the tree is home to several varieties of butterflies. Its trunk grows very straight and the first branches often don’t appear until the first 7.6 feet (50 meters) or higher, creating a tall, spreading canopy overhead. The bright green leaves turn a striking yellow in fall.
Tulip poplars thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, although some are shade tolerant. Though hardy, the Tennessee state tree is not drought tolerant and needs watering during extended dry spells. It propagates easily from seeds and cuttings. If sown in the fall, the seedlings will germinate the following spring.
Yellow poplar is still used today, mainly in furniture and furniture construction. It is also commonly used in reforestation projects due to its longevity, hardiness and rapid growth rate. Under proper conditions, the Tennessee state tree can live for several hundred years.
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