THE TULIP TREE 



THE Tulip Tree is known either as a shade tree or a timber tree throughout a large 

 part of eastern America. For the former purpose it is deservedly a favorite, 

 having a symmetrical habit of growth, an extraordinary beauty of blossom and 

 foliage, and great freedom from attack by insect and fungus enemies. It also grows rapidly 

 when successfully transplanted, doing best in a moist, loamy soil. 



The winter-buds of the Tulip Tree are interesting and characteristic. The two large 

 brown scales envelop the tiny leaves, the outer of which are fully formed within the scales. 

 Sir John Lubbock has shown that the curious shape of the leaf is an adaptation to the 

 manner of folding within the bud. As the leaf develops the scales act as stipules, their 

 bases encircling the twig. At first the foliage is light yellowish green, becoming somewhat 

 darker as the leaves attain full size. 



The blossoms of the Tulip Tree are beautiful and interesting. They appear early 

 in summer, in the more northern states usually in June. Each flower in its outline is very 

 suggestive of that of the tulip, being held erect on the end of the twig in a most character- 

 istic fashion. The flowers are freely visited by insects. 



In the great river valleys of the Ohio and the Mississippi the Tulip Tree is one of the 

 most valuable timber trees, commonly attaining a great size and height. It is often called 

 Whitewood and in many localities Yellow Poplar, although the latter seems an unfortunate 

 name. In young trees the bark is quite smooth and of an ash gray color, while in older 

 trees it becomes much darker and rougher. 



At least three horticultural varieties of the Tulip Tree have already been introduced. 

 In one of these the lobes of the leaf are wanting, which is certainly a doubtful improve- 

 ment, for the beauty of the leaf of the normal form lies very largely in its distinctive lobing. 

 In another variety the foliage is variegated, also a somewhat doubtful improvement, for 

 the uniform coloring of the leaves of the tree, whether in the greenness of summer or the 

 mellow yellowness of autumn, is another of its attractions. The third variety has upright 

 branches, suggestive of those of the Lombardy Popular. Never having seen this form I 

 can only suggest that it seems of doubtful utility for general planting. 



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