Tulip poplar trees grow in rich woodlands and bottomlands in its native habitat. The tree is sensitive to drought and requires regular irrigation. Tulip poplar has a especially high water requirement during summer.
The tree has a mature height of up to 100 feet with a trunk diameter ranging between 4 to 6 feet. The 1 1/2-inch-wide and 2 1/2-inch-long, yellowish-green, cup-shaped flowers are the distinctive feature of the tree. The spring blooming flowers resemble tulips and are followed by cone shaped fruit. The 6-inch-long leaves are square lobed.
Plant tulip poplar in a moist, fertile, well-drained soil and in an area of full to partial sun. Propagation of the tree is moderately easy with seed. Tulip poplar is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9. The large size of the tree makes is more well suited for use as a shade tree in larger landscapes. Avoid transplanting larger sized trees as the shallow root system does not let the tree get reestablished for at least a few years.
Varieties of the tulip poplar include aureomarginatum with yellow margins around the foliage. The variegation gives the tree an overall yellowish look when viewed from a distance. Fastigiatum is another widely used cultivar with a relatively smaller size and a more compact, flat topped mature form. Given its compact size, fastigiatum is a better choice for a suburban garden, according to the Floridata website.