Liriodendron
Origin: North America. It takes quite a long time, 6-8 years before the Tulip Tree produces flowers, but it is worth waiting for. The main branches start from the base and with time they thin out; the lower branches bend down softening the majestic silhouette. Deciduous leaves, 10-20 cm long, dark green, paler underneath, golden yellow in autumn. Flowers: from end of May to beginning of July, fragrant, abundant, similar to tulips made up of 9 pale green petals dappled with orange at the base, up to 7cm long. Fruit: brown, unique because they look like buds, 5-8cm long. They remain on the plant until spring when they divide into longwinged seeds. Requires deep, fertile, cool, permeable, neutral to acid soil. Tolerates pollution but suffers in prolonged periods of drought. Requires plenty of sun and light to flower well. It must be sited far from buildings due to its deep root system. Use: planted singly in large gardens, singly or in groups in parks, as a street plant along wide streets.
Available also the varieties L. tulipifera “Aureomarginatum”, whose leaves have golden-yellow margins, and L. tulipifera “Fastigiatum”, with narrow columnar habit.