Liriodendron chinensis

Chinese Tuliptree

Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree) is a fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad pyramidal to columnar habit, featuring distinctive lobed green leaves that turn yellow in fall. As the tree matures, it produces tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, though blooms can be somewhat hidden among the foliage. It is closely related to the native tulip tree but is typically denser, with smaller flowers and differently shaped leaves.

Type: Tree (Deciduous)
Mature Size: 30–40' W × 50–70' H
USDA Zones: 6a–9b
Form: Broad pyramidal to columnar

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; short to moderate (about 2–4 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees; provides cover/habitat as a large shade tree. This is a cautious inference from its flowers and tree form rather than a directly stated wildlife listing.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent as a specimen or shade tree for larger landscapes. Its unusual leaf shape, tulip-like flowers, and yellow fall color give it multi-season interest. Best used where it has room to mature.

Care:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. It performs best with even moisture and adequate space, and generally needs little pruning beyond structural shaping when young. 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree

Height

50-70'

Width

30-40"

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Shape

Broad, Columnar, Pyramidal

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No