Liriodendron tulipifera (Native)

Habitat: The tulip poplar is found naturally in mesic forests, cove forests at least 1500 feet in elevation, bottomland forests, and swamps

Wildlife value: Supports pollinators and is a larval host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilo glaucus), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and birds like cedar waxwings feed on the nectar from flowers. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and some songbirds eat the flowers in the spring. Sprouts, buds, and seeds are primary food for deer and squirrels. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees

Notes: Common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, Tuliptree is aptly named from the shape of its flowers and leaves to the samara whorls persisting like wooden tulips until spring. It is an excellent shade or ornamental tree for a large property, sited best on lower or concave slopes. Long-lived, fast-growing, tall and straight-trunked deciduous tree. 

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  This plant has pest and disease problems. Pests include scale and aphids. Large aphid infestations result in honeydew secretions on the leaves that provide the growing medium for sooty mold. Verticillium wilt, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spots, and canker are possible diseases.  Fast-growing means they are weak-wooded and susceptible to limb breakage in high winds or from ice/snow. 

Edibility: The root is used as a lemon-like flavouring in spruce beer, where it also serves to correct the bitterness of the beer.