tulip tree

tulip tree: see magnolia.

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tulip tree

 or tulip poplar or yellow poplar

Lofty North American ornamental and timber tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) of the magnolia family, not related to true poplars. It occurs in mixed hardwood stands in eastern North America. It is taller than all other eastern broad-leaved trees (up to 197 ft, or 60 m), and its trunk often has a diameter greater than 7 ft (2 m). Long-stemmed, bright-green leaves have two to four side lobes and blunted tips. Yellowish-green tuliplike flowers have six petals, orange at their bases, and three bright-green sepals. Other characteristics include conelike clusters of winged fruits; aromatic, purplish-brown twigs; stunning golden-yellow autumn leaves; winter buds resembling a duck's bill; and resistance to pests and diseases. The wood is used to manufacture furniture parts, plywood panels, paper, boxes, and crates.

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tulip tree

1. a North American magnoliaceous forest tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, having tulip-shaped greenish-yellow flowers and long conelike fruits

2. a similar and related Chinese tree, L. chinense

3. any of various other trees with tulip-shaped flowers, such as the magnolia

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tulip tree [′tü·ləp ‚trē]

(botany)

Liriodendron tulipifera.A tree belonging to the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae) distinguished by leaves which are squarish at the tip, true terminal buds, cone-shaped fruit, and large greenish-yellow and orange-colored flowers. Also known as tulip poplar.