100 



Native Trees of Canada 



blunt at the tip with the terminal or end bud of the twig much larger and longer. 

 They are reddish-brown and covered with a bloom. The leaf-scar is circular 



The leaves are 5 to 6 in. long and of such a peculiar shape that they are readily 

 distinguished from those of any other native tree. The end or top is abruptly 

 squared or slightly notched as though it had been clipped off. 



The flowers are tulip-like, 3 or 4 in. across and composed of six, greenish- 



TULIP TREE 



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yellow petals, touched with orange inside the cup. They open in May and it is 

 from them the tree derives its common name. 



The fruit is a peculiar, erect cone 2 to 3 in. long, composed of many dry, flat- 

 winged seed-cases, which are attached to a central spike. These gradually drop 

 off after the seeds ripen, often leaving the central axis, with the lower scales at- 

 tached, to remain on the tree during the winter. 



Owing to the comparative scarcity of this tree in Canada, it is of minor com- 

 mercial importance from the standpoint of lumber production. The wood has 

 valuable physical qualities similar to those of basswood. It is soft, durable, tough, 

 and is considered to be the best wood in America to hold its shape after seasoning. 

 It is imported from the United States for panelling and steam-bent work by manu- 

 acturers of vehicle bodies, pianos, cars, and cabinet-work. Tulip veneer is used 

 for cross-banding in built-up glued products. 



