Liriodendron chinense Seeds | Chinese Tulip Tree
LATIN NAME: Liriodendron chinense
COMMON NAME: Chinese Tulip Tree
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Chinese Tulip Tree (Liriodendron chinense) is a tree. The Chinese tulip tree is a tall, handsome tree with curious, four-lobed leaves. Upright, deciduous tree carries large, glossy, four-lobed leaves that turn fine, golden-yellow in autumn, and small, greenish-yellow, tulip-like flowers open high in canopy through early summer. Tree is close relative of great tulip tree of the eastern woods, and it is one of the fine, elegant trees of the temperate gardens. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Liriodendron group, Liriodendron chinense contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. The Chinese tulip tree has carved a quiet but solid place in plant science, and tree has been studied for curious, four-lobed leaves and small, tulip-like flowers. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Tulip Tree has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. The Chinese tulip tree does a lot of work in garden and wider world. Tall, upright tree is a fine, bold presence in park, avenue and large garden, and curious, four-lobed leaves turn fine, golden-yellow in the autumn. Small, greenish-yellow flowers open high in canopy, and tree is also a fine, solid timber tree in its native mountains. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Tulip tree is a magnificent nectar tree for honey, and its inner bark was the tulip-poplar tonic bark of early American folk medicine; today it is prized as fast, stately shade.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Tulip Tree is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Chinese Tulip Tree earns its space through character rather than fuss. It is generous with beginners and their occasional misjudgements.
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