Liriodendro

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Magnoliaceae or Magnoliaceae

Order

Magnoliales

Genus

Liriodendron

Species

tulipifera

Description

First-class deciduous tree. It assumes a primary role, even as an isolated specimen, fulfilling an important ecological function by absorbing carbon dioxide and retaining fine dust as well as creating shade and protection from the intense summer sun with its large, dense crown. Its columnar habit, its autumnal livery that manifests itself in a scenic foliage, and its elegant flowering with large tulip-like inflorescences confer high ornamental and landscape value to both public and private outdoor spaces, even in urban settings.

Variety description

Medium to large-sized tree reaching up to 30 metres; elegant growth habit, with truncated leaves at the apex and characteristic tulip-shaped flowers. It has a slender ovoid crown with regular, close-set branches. Shiny, deep green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. Abundant and spectacular flowering with creamy white flowers with orange corolla. Highly hardy and adaptable to various soil types and growing environments. It has also adapted well to urban climates, showing excellent resistance to both heat and frost stress. It requires a sunny exposure and tolerates partially shady areas. A tree that develops deep roots and prefers clay and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types. Ornamental tree with excellent botanical and functional performance for various types of landscape use. Suitable for parks, gardens, boulevards and industrial and residential areas. Resistant to pathogens and pruning, which must respect the architecture of the crown form.

Curiosities and special features

Both the generic term, Liriodendron, and the specific epithet, tulipifera, refer to the particular inflorescences, the former meaning 'lily tree' in relation to the large flowers while the latter emphasises the resemblance to tulip flowers. American Indians called the liriodendron 'canoe tree' because its trunk was used to make canoes.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to north-eastern America, from southern Ontario to north-eastern USA; it was introduced to Europe in the late 17th century by the naturalist J. Banister for ornamental and forestry purposes.

Leaf

The leaves have a truncated lobed lamina at the apex.

Flowering period

The spectacular flowering lasts from mid-spring to early summer for 20 to 30 days, displaying fragrant, tulip-like flowers consisting of six cupped petals in a green-yellow colour shade mottled with orange at the base.

Leaf colour

Solid colours that turn to golden-yellow in autumn in a highly decorative foliage process.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 10 to 30 m, making it a first-class tree.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous plant.

Where to plant

Because of the size it achieves, it is suitable for use in large flower beds and road roundabouts, open field The Liriodendron assumes a focal role of high landscape value in both private and public outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, avenues and street trees.

Stem

The columnar stem is woody with bark that is smooth and pale at first in younger specimens and then becomes grey-brown and longitudinally fissured.

Growth

Long-lived plant with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect with large, ovoid and dense foliage.

Branching

Branching is abundant with regular, closely spaced branches.

PH

For the Tulip Tree, the ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, choose the most suitable location, depending on the needs of the plant, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third larger than the root or root ball volume. It is advisable to remove weeds and bulky pebbles, and also to add organic matter and slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. If the soil is compact and poorly draining, bury sand.

Sun exposure

For proper growth, choose exposures in half shade, full sun when transplanting.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C; it prefers cool climates, withstanding intense cold well.

Use

The developed habitus, the scenic flowering and the quality of the wood make it suitable in:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping Plants for timber production

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic tree, it adapts to different types of soil and is resistant to winter cold.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, but the ideal soil for proper root and vegetative development is medium-textured, deep and with organic substance.

Difficulty

Easy to grow, it requires an overall low level of management effort, including fertilisation, irrigation and pruning.

Growing tips

Some specific tips and cultivation aspects to achieve the best growth and development performance:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

Indiscriminate pruning of stems and branches by 'pruning off' leads not only to an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant but also to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic influences as well as to a greater danger of the entire specimen failing.

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1500 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

Place the root ball, keeping it well compacted, in the previously dug planting hole, positioning the collar of the plant outside the soil surface.

Pruning

Carry out regular pruning to shape the form and determine the structure of the crown as well as define the scaffolding of the branches. In addition, carry out minor pruning to remove dried out or damaged parts.

Propagation

Propagation is by seed or cutting.

Watering

After planting, water the soil well and assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent desiccation and water saturation conditions by supplying quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by applying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants; later, in early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser directly to the soil to promote proper plant development.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Tip

Reduced tillage avoids stress on the plant and allows better vegetation. High branching with a stem free of branches up to approx. 2.2 metres.