While the tulip tree is very important as a forest tree in its North American homeland, it is still considered somewhat exotic in our latitudes. In the USA, this fast-growing tree can reach heights of up to 60 m. In our latitudes, it usually "only" reaches a maximum height of 35 m.

It owes its name to its beautiful tulip-like flowers, which appear from May to June when the tree is in full leaf. The individual flowers are a feast for the eyes and exude a certain exoticism. However, due to their greenish-white color, they are only partially visible in the dense foliage. On the inside, you can see striking gold-yellow-orange banding. The leaves of the tulip tree also captivate with their unusual shape, which clearly sets them apart from other trees.

In our latitudes, the tree is still waiting for its "breakthrough" and is mainly found in public parks. However, it is not particularly suitable as a street tree, as it does not tolerate the urban climate, excavation work, and limited root space very well.

• Origin: North America

• Growth height: 40–60 m

• Leaves: up to 15 cm wide and long; 4-lobed; almost square in outline; fresh green; bright yellow autumn color

• Flower: May–June; tulip-like; greenish on the outside, strikingly banded with gold-yellow-orange on the inside

• Fruit: up to 10 cm long; upright, slender cones; lasts until spring

• Soil/location: requires large open root space to thrive; sun; deep, nutrient-rich soil