Tulip Tree identification
The Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera, native to eastern North America, was introduced to Britain in the 17th century. It is named after its flower which resembles a tulip. It is a large ornamental tree, quite common in large gardens and parks.
Tulip Tree identification – 4-lobed leaf, large, tulip-like flower and brown fruit that stays on the tree all winter. It has an unusual 4-lobed leaf and a large beautiful flower in May/June.
It is a member of the Magnolia family. Magnolia trees and shrubs are members of a very large genus containing between 120 and 230 species depending on the classification system used. The genus is named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol. It is an ancient genus with “primitive” flowers adapted for pollination by beetles. The petals, for example, are known as tepals because the sepals and petals are indistinguishable. This is a feature common to plants that appeared early on in the evolution of Flowering Plants.