Poplar, Tulip, Bare Root

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Tulip Poplar, also known as Tuliptree or Yellow Poplar, is one of the tallest and most majestic native hardwoods in eastern North America. Despite its name, it's not a true poplar but a member of the magnolia family, with distinctive tulip-shaped greenish-yellow flowers, fast growth, and high ecological value. Tulip Poplar supports pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, and is ideal for reforestation, streambank restoration, shade plantings, and long-term overstory layers in food forests and regenerative landscapes.

Key Characteristics

• Early Summer Nectar Source for Pollinators
  From May to June, Tulip Poplar produces large, upright, tulip-shaped flowers in greenish-yellow with orange bases. These blooms are a major nectar source for native bees, honeybees, and hummingbirds, and produce abundant nectar for early summer honey flows.
• Host Plant for Butterflies and Moths
  Tulip Poplar is a larval host plant for several species, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus), one of its most visible visitors. It also supports sphinx moths and Promethea moths, contributing to lepidopteran biodiversity.
• Fast-Growing Canopy Tree for Restoration and Shade
  This tree is one of the fastest-growing native hardwoods, often growing 2–3 feet per year in ideal conditions. With a straight trunk and pyramidal crown, it makes an excellent shade tree, overstory species, or reforestation anchor for large landscapes.
• Excellent for Streambanks and Moist Forests
  Tulip Poplar thrives in deep, moist, well-drained soils and is especially well-suited to riparian zones, forest edges, and lowland restoration. Its deep root system helps stabilize soil, and its tall canopy structure encourages understory regeneration and wildlife layering.
• Beautiful Foliage and Strong Seasonal Interest
  With its large, uniquely shaped leaves and bright golden fall color, Tulip Poplar adds strong aesthetic value to ecological designs. Its tall, stately form is best suited to larger properties, farms, and restoration areas.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and Southeastern U.S.
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet
• Mature Height: 70–120 feet
• Bloom Time: May–June
• Bloom Color: Greenish-yellow with orange center
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Tulip Poplar is a powerful presence in any native landscape—fast-growing, wildlife-supporting, and ecologically significant. It’s a cornerstone species for reforestation, pollinator support, and long-term shade.