Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Tulip Tree are simple (no leaflets), alternately arranged on the stem, pinnately veined, and lobed. There are four or six lobes, with the upper four lobes being triangular and pointed, forming the silhouette of a tulip in bloom. The leaves are green above and pale green below, turning yellow in the fall.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig is reddish-brown and zig zag, with pale lenticels (pores). The leaf buds are slender, sharply pointed, and axillary. The flower buds are larger, wider, and obovate to elliptic in shape. Both buds are green or greenish-brown.
Bark Identification
When young, the bark of the Tulip Tree has tiny unraised scales that form an uneven raised bark when mature. These raised bumps are irregular, forming some small ridges and leaving many mountains and valleys.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Tulip Tree is a conical cluster of greenish-brown samaras that will release their seeds from fall until the next bloom. The cluster is up to 3″ in length.
Flower Identification
The flower of the Tulip Tree is bisexual (both male and female reproductive systems in one flower). It is yellow with orange markings, up to 3″ in diameter, six-petaled, bowl-shaped, with many pale stamens surrounding the ovaries. The flowers bloom in spring.