YELLOW POPLAR, OR TULIP TREE 



{Liriodendron tulipifera L.) 



YELLOW POPLAR, or tulip tree, received its 

 names from the yellow color of its heartwood 

 and its attractive tulip-like flowers. It is one of 

 the largest and most valuable hardwood trees of 

 the United States. It occurs commonly throughout 

 the State, but reaches its largest size in the deep 

 moist soils along streams and in the lower moun- 



Le&f, one-third natnral size. 



Twig, two-thirds 

 natural size. 



tain coves. As more commonly seen, it has a height 

 of 60 to 100 feet and a diameter of 3 to 4 feet. Origi- 

 nal-growth trees, however, attain heights of 150 to 

 190 feet and diameters up to 10 feet. Growing with 

 a straight central trunk like the pines, and often 

 clear of limbs for 30 to 50 feet, it has a narrow 

 pyramidal head which in older age becomes more 

 spreading. The tree has been extensively cut, but 

 is reproducing rapidly and remains one of the most 

 abundant and valuable trees in our young second- 

 growth forests. It has been planted as on orna- 

 mental and shade tree. 



The leaves are simple, 4 to 6 inches in length and 

 breadth, 4-lobed, dark green in summer, turning 

 to a clear yellow in the fall. 



The greenish-yellow tulip-shaped flowers appear 

 in April. The fruit is a narrow light-brown, upright 

 cone, 2 to 3 inches long, made up of seeds, each en 

 closed in a hard bony coat and provided with a 

 wing which makes it easily carried by the wind. 



The wood is light, soft, easily worked, light yel- 

 low or brown, with wide cream-colored sapwood. 

 It is extensively cut into lumber for interior and 

 exterior trim, vehicle bodies, veneers, turnery and 

 other high-grade uses. 



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