tulip tree blossoms

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About tulip tree blossoms

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the American tulip tree, is the Western Hemisphere representative of the two-species Liriodendron genus. It is native to eastern North America from southern Ontario and Illinois eastward across southern New England and south to central Florida and Louisiana. It can grow to more than 50 m (165 feet) in virgin cove forests of the Appalachian Mountains, often with no limbs until it reaches 25-30 m (80-100 feet) in height, making it a very valuable timber tree. It is fast-growing, without the common problems of weak wood strength and short lifespan often seen in fast-growing species. April marks the start of the flowering period in the southern USA (except as noted below); trees at the northern limit of cultivation begin to flower in June. The flowers are pale green or yellow (rarely white), with an orange band on the tepals; they yield large quantities of nectar. The American tulip tree is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

All young tulip trees and most mature specimens are intolerant of prolonged inundation; however, a coastal plain swamp ecotype in the southeastern United States (Parks et al. 1994) is relatively flood-tolerant. This ecotype is recognized by its blunt-lobed leaves, which may have a red tint. Parts of east-central Florida near Orlando have an ecotype with similar-looking leaves (in most cases; see image gallery below) which flowers much earlier (usually in March, although flowering can begin in late January) than other types. This east central Florida ecotype seems to have the best ability to tolerate very wet conditions, where it may grow short pencil-like root structures (pneumatophores) similar to those produced by other swamp trees in warm climates. Some individuals retain their leaves all year unless a hard frost strikes.

Only pictures that include a orange/yellow bloom, no hands, just trees and pink blooms please!