Tulip Tree (Tulip Poplar)
![A full view of the tree](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.centralparknyc.org/media/images/_500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/plant-tall@2x-Tulip-Tree_2020-11-11-202946.jpg)
The tulip tree, also known as the tulip poplar, is named for the distinctive shape of its beautiful blooms, which are on display from late May to mid-June. The tulip tree is North America's tallest native hardwood tree and probably existed on Manhattan before Central Park's creation. Many aspects of the tulip tree make them easily identifiable: they're very tall and very straight; the tulip-like flowers in spring give way to pinecone-shaped seed spikes that sometimes last into winter; the mask-like leaves turn brilliant golden yellow in fall; their leaves have a shape like no other in Central Park. Tulip trees are pollinated by hummingbirds, bumblebees, and tiger swallowtail butterflies.
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Leaves
5-8 inches long, alternate arrangement, tulip-shaped, bright green, golden yellow in fall -
Fruit
Cone-shaped, aggregate, persists in winter -
Flower
2-3 inches long, tulip-shaped, upright blossoms, bloom late May to mid-June -
Bark
Gray; fine stripes of light gray on long, narrow, trench-like surface