Habitat:
Native to the Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Origin, history, and uses:
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a native North American tree in the magnolia family, ranging from southern Ontario through much of the eastern United States. Its name comes from its distinctive tulip-shaped flowers. Historically, Native Americans used its wood to make dugout canoes and its inner bark medicinally. Over time, tuliptree also became an important hardwood species in the United States, with wood used for furniture, plywood, boats, veneer, paper pulp, lumber, instruments, and toys. Today, it is also prized as an ornamental tree for its tall form, showy flowers, and bright fall color.
Phenology:
The tree is in an early spring leaf-out stage, with buds opening and small leaves beginning to emerge; tulip tree flowers typically bloom later, from May to early June.
