Tuliptree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree (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
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Liriodendron tulipifera
- Variety / cultivar
- Tuliptree, EMERALD CITY®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–80 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- yellow, orange, green
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
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.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Frequently asked questions
- Is Tuliptree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Tuliptree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Tuliptree 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 get?
- It matures to about 50–80 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Tuliptree need?
- Give Tuliptree about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Tuliptree grow into?
- Tuliptree 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 hardy on the Front Range?
- Tuliptree 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 need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Tuliptree grow?
- Tuliptree is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Tuliptree live?
- Tuliptree has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Tuliptree turn in fall?
- Tuliptree turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Tuliptree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Tuliptree deer-resistant?
- No. Tuliptree is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
