Tuliptree Liriodendron tulipifera is a large (150’ X 30’) deciduous tree that occurs in low, rich woodlands and on streambanks, mostly in the northern and Florida parishes of Louisiana. Showy, yellow-orange, tulip-like flowers appear April – June. Cone-like seed heads follow and remain after leaf fall. Tuliptree thrives in moist, rich, acidic soils. It is intolerant of compacted soil and sites with poor drainage.
Tuliptree benefits native wildlife in many ways: a preferred nesting tree for many birds, flowers that attract hummingbirds, a larval host for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and the Tuliptree silkmoth, an important food source (browse) for Whitetail Deer, and seeds used by squirrels and other small mammals.