Tulip Trees have one of the most unmistakable leaf shapes in the forest! The leaf will typically be twice as wide as it is long. More Tulip Tree Bark Overall shape of a mature Tulip Poplar Tree Tulip Tree Leaf Identification Tulip Tree Bark, Close Up Bark and leaf of Tulip Poplar The ridges will generally run in a vertical direction, while sometimes angling off from vertical. The bark of a Tulip Tree will have ridges with valleys that are ~1/4-1/2″ deep (1 cm).
Mature Tulip Trees can have trunks that are 3-6′ diameter (1-2 m). Very straight, tall trunk on a Tulip Poplar Tulip Tree Bark / Trunk Identification But if out in the open, they are generally tall and straight. In a dense forest condition, there may be more irregular (crooked) growth and lower branching. In general that Tulip Tree will have long straight trunks with little to no branching until higher up in the tree.
The Tulip Tree is one of the fastest growing hardwoods native to North America.