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Chinese tulip tree

How to identify Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense)

Chinese tulip tree

Chinese tulip tree is a deciduous tree, featuring a straight, columnar trunk with a uniform branching pattern. Its leaves are characteristically bright green, lobed, and can span up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. The tree produces distinctive, tulip-like flowers which are greenish-white with a splash of orange at the base. Flowers emerge in late spring to early summer, making it quite conspicuous. The tree's stature can be quite impressive, as it may reach heights of 60 to 70 feet (18 to 21 meters) with a spread of 25 to 35 feet (7.5 to 10.5 meters).

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese tulip tree

1

Distinct bright green, deeply lobed leaves up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and wide.

2

Tulip-like flowers with greenish-white petals and orange base, blooming late spring to early summer.

3

Impressive stature, reaching 60-70 feet (18-21 meters) tall with a spread of 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 meters).

4

Fruit appears as dry, scaly, oblong cone-shaped clusters with winged seeds for wind dispersal.

5

Cup-shaped flowers, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long, with olive green petals transitioning to yellow at the base.

Chinese tulip treeChinese tulip treeChinese tulip treeChinese tulip treeChinese tulip tree

Detailed Traits of Chinese tulip tree

Leaf Features

Chinese tulip tree leaves are characterized by their distinctive deeply lobed shape, often resembling a tulip outline. They typically measure 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length and width. The leaves are bright green on the upper surface and paler green underneath. They have a smooth texture with a glossy finish. The vein pattern is pinnate, with a prominent central vein and smaller lateral veins. Each leaf has 4-6 lobes with pointed tips, which curve inward, giving it a unique appearance.

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Flower Features

Chinese tulip tree features distinctive cup-shaped flowers that are approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. The petals are predominantly olive green, transitioning to yellow at the base, creating a visually striking contrast. Each flower is composed of several petal layers arranged symmetrically, giving it a robust structure. These flowers typically emit a mild fragrance and bloom in late spring to early summer, making them a key identification feature for plant enthusiasts during this period.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of chinese tulip tree presents as dry, scaly, and oblong cone-shaped clusters. These aggregates, tinted with a mature brown hue, encapsulate numerous winged seeds that are key to the species' propagation. Each seed is equipped with a papery wing, facilitating wind-assisted dispersal. The overall fruit structure is uniquely textured and substantial in size, making it a distinctive feature for identification among novices.

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Key Facts About Chinese tulip tree

Attributes of Chinese tulip tree
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
40 m
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Chinese tulip tree

Family
Magnolia
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Species
Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense)
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Distribution Map of Chinese tulip tree

Chinese tulip tree is a plant native to the temperate regions of East Asia. It has a more expansive range, having also been introduced to portions of Central Asia. Additionally, chinese tulip tree is recognized for its ability to be cultivated beyond its indigenous and introduced ranges, in various other regions that provide a compatible environment for its growth.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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