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Liriodendron chinense

Liriodendron chinense

Chinese tulip tree

Description

Liriodendron chinense (Chinese tulip tree) belongs to the Magnoliaceae family and was widespread in prehistoric times, but later on only grew in Asia. In 1875, the species was found in the Chinese province of Hubei by the botanist Charles Sparque Sargent, and it was cultivated in 1901. In its area of origin, the Chinese tulip tree grows in river valleys and on the hills, along with Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Cornus controversa, Ginkgo biloba and Davidia involucrata. There, the tree grows up to about 15 metres high; it grows up to 9 metres high in cultivation.

The name ‘tulip tree’ is an apt description of the shape of the flowers that appear around the end of May and the beginning of June. Liriodendron chinense blooms at an older age, and has smaller flowers than the Liriodendron tulipifera. Its leaves are much larger than those of its American counterpart. It has the same quadrifoliate tulip shape with the characteristic tapered leaf tips and is glossy green with a blue-green underside. Its autumn colour is a gorgeous bright yellow. Its grey bark is slightly furrowed and its twigs are violet-brown with lenticels.

The Chinese tulip tree naturally occurs in rich and fertile soil with a lot of space to root. With its deep taproot, the species is very wind-proof and can handle drought very well. But the wood is brittle, and to prevent the branches from blowing out, the tree should be planted in an area that is sheltered from the wind. The fleshy roots cannot handle soil that is too wet. Liriodendron chinense is somewhat sensitive to frost and young branches will therefore partially freeze during harsh winters. The tree will fully recover from this. This makes it a beautiful park or garden tree in nutrient-rich, permeable soil in the sun.

Types of planting

Tree types

standard trees feathered trees shade trees

Use

Location

park large garden cemetery

Pavement

none none open open

Characteristics

Crown shape

rounded rounded

Crown structure

semi-open semi-open

Height

8 - 10 m

Width

6 - 8 m

Winter hardiness zone

8A - 10B

Aspects

Wind

intolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay peaty heavy clay light clay sand loamy soil all soils

Nutrient level

moderately rich in nutrients rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

dry moist

Light requirements

sun

pH range

acidic neutral
6.1 - 7.5

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Visit our nurseries with multi-stem trees, climbing trees, trees for avenues and parks characteristic trees and solitary shrubs.

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Place order or further information?

Order this plant? Or would you like further information about Liriodendron chinense? Make an appointment for a detailed planting recommendation.
Call +31(0) 485 31 20 21 or email one of our advisors directly.
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Photos

Magnify

Flowers

Flowers

tulip-shaped discrete small

Flower colour

yellow-green

Flowering period

May - June

Leaves

Leaf colour

buds red-violet blue-green underside blue-green

Leaves

deciduous palmate big polished laciniate

Autumn colour

golden yellow

Fruits

Fruit colour

brown

Fruits

striking winged nut cones

Bark

Bark colour

grey

Bark

furrowed slightly furrowed striped

Twigs

Twig colour

brown-violet

Twigs

bare

Root system

Root system

deep extensive fleshy roots tap root

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Winter hardiness zone
OK
Coastal area
OK
Use
Location
OK
Pavement
OK
Host plant/forage plant
OK
Planting concepts
OK
Types of planting
Tree types
OK
Multi-stemmed trees
OK
Crown structure
OK
Crown shape
OK
Topiary on stem
OK
Topiary
OK
Height
m
-
m
OK
Width
m
-
m
OK
Aspects
Wind
OK
Soil
OK
Nutrient level
OK
Soil moisture level
OK
Light requirements
OK
PH range
OK
Extreme environments
OK
Stage of succession
OK
Plant characteristics
Flowering period
January
-
December
OK
Flower colour
OK
Leaf colour
OK
Autumn colour
OK
Fruit colour
OK
Bark colour
OK
Special features
OK
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