STKIii:" AM) HIGHWAY PL A XT I NO. 49 



THE TULIP POPLAR. 



The tulip poplar or tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) (Fig. 20) 

 is not commonly found in the southern part of the State, although it 

 does well from San Jose northward. It is a deciduous eastern tree 

 with curiously shaped foliage which resembles no other foliage. The 

 flowers are not very conspicuous though of considerable beauty. They 

 are tulip-shaped, of a greenish yellow color with an orange flame in the 

 center of each petal. The stamens and carpels are rather conspicuous, 

 and at the time of the falling of the winged achenia attract some 

 attention. 



Those trees noted in San Jose had attained considerable size before 

 fruiting and did not seem to flower so freely as those in the east. 



This tree has not been tried for street use in southern California. 

 We are not recommending it. It is to be hoped some one will risk his 

 reputation among his fellows and try it to settle the matter finally. 

 Belonging, as it does, to the Magnolia family, it is characterized by its 

 fleshy roots and rootlets. These are indicative of its water-loving 

 habits. In some parts of the east it is native, and grows well upon 

 heavy clay soils of no great fertility, so that there may be some latitude 

 on these points. If some situation can be found where there is soil of 

 fair fertility and reasonable water supply, it might be worth a trial. 



The tree, though not of rapid growth here, attains great size at 

 maturity, hence it should not be used on narrow streets. The habit of 

 growth is good, but care should be taken to keep the leader unbranched 

 for ten or twelve feet. Branching below this point ruins the shape of 

 the tree. It has been noted in some localities that the wood is brittle; 

 whether or not this is true for California remains to be demonstrated. 

 With this in mind it would hardly be well to plant the tree where it 

 would be subject to heavy winds. 



THE MAGNOLIA. 



The magnolia most commonly found is Magnolia grandiflora. This 

 tree is too well known to necessitate more than a mere mention of its 

 large shining green leaves and handsome white flowers, which are highly 

 fragrant. 



This tree assumes a natural pyramidal shape, and at maturity attains 

 such size that it is suitable only for wide streets, even though for many 

 years, owing to its medium slow growth, it may appear to be inadequate. 

 Planters considering this species should remember that the litter is 

 considerable and continuous. Furthermore, the shade is of a very 

 black, dense quality. As to situations, care must be taken to see that 

 the tree has an abundance of water, as it is a water-loving species, and 

 if stinted in water supply assumes a poor, light green color of foliage 

 with a noticeable lessening of vigor and length of life. 

 4 P 



