Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®)
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–80 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water50–80 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Nicholas A. Tonelli, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay
- Photo 4: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
- Photo 5: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–80 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- yellow, orange, green
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Critical: Salt ToleranceIt has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter. It has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
- How big does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) get?
- It matures to about 50–80 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) need?
- Give Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) grow into?
- Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) hardy on the Front Range?
- Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) grow?
- Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) live?
- Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) turn in fall?
- Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) deer-resistant?
- No. Tuliptree (EMERALD CITY®) is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
