Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree, Tulip-poplar, Yellow-poplar

Mature Height: 100-200'     Longevity: 500 years

 Liriodendron tulipifera leaf. Liriodendron tulipifera art.
   

3-7 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Drought tolerance listed as "Mid". Does not appear to have prominent drought resistance & not found in many dry areas.

7: No flood tolerance identified & tree consistently identified in mesic well drained woods in references. Is reported in bottomlands.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5. (SOUTH) Solid Z8 w/ only marginal presence in Z9 in FL.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Same as NAS. (SOUTH) Same as NAS.


   

8   Sun Strength

3   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
7.3 = Rapid to very rapid
+.3 = Pioneer Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
-.2 = Susceptible
0 = No
+.3 = 110'
+.2 = 200'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
2.5 = Intolerant
0 = Pioneer Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
-.2 = Susceptible
0 = No
+.2 = 110'
+.3 = 500 years

TOTAL SCORE (7.8): Very fast growing & very tall tree that pioneers effectively. Candidate for a 9 but need to further evaluate growth rate numbers.

TOTAL SCORE (2.7): Due to longevity, rapid growth from seed, and height, tree can remain prominent even in late seral forests. However as shade competitor is pretty weak. Few internet reports of 500-600 year longevity.


   

5   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Mid-High (Big Tree) = 4-5
Morphology seems to support highest fire rating.
Final Value = 5

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Although tree grows very tall its trunk appears to be thick. Also thin narrow brittle limbs that break away easily would seem to reduce any substantial wind loading that might lead to trunk snap or windthrow. Substantial limb loss is noted in storms & wood is noted as weak but tree also noted as pest and disease resistant. Also being biggest tree in the forest makes it most exposed to wind. Assign average value.
Final Value = 3