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Columnar Tuliptree

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum'

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Columnar Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum') at Rutgers Landscape & Nursery

Columnar Tuliptree

Columnar Tuliptree

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Columnar Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum') at Rutgers Landscape & Nursery

Columnar Tuliptree foliage

Columnar Tuliptree foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  50 feet

Spread:  20 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Other Names:  Tulip Magnolia, Yellow Poplar, Whitewood

Description:

A reasonably columnar version of this very tall tree, features uniquely shaped leaves and large greenish-yellow tulip-shaped flowers with streaks of orange; needs lots of moisture, a good choice for a smaller landscape

Ornamental Features

Columnar Tuliptree has buttery yellow cup-shaped flowers with yellow eyes and orange centers held atop the branches from mid to late spring. It has emerald green deciduous foliage. The square leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The furrowed gray bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Columnar Tuliptree is a deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects
  • Disease

Columnar Tuliptree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Shade
  • Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Columnar Tuliptree will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Shade  Articulation 
Applications
Flowers  Fall Color  Plant Form  Bark  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features


Disclaimer - Rutgers Landscape & Nursery Plant Finder is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact Rutgers directly for current availability.