The tuliptree, or sometimes tulip tree, also known as yellow poplar, or even canoe poplar, though it is not a poplar, is the state tree of Indiana. They are truly lovely trees, often growing to great height, sometimes more than 30 meters, and always with a symmetrical silhouette.
I have always believed, as many say, that the tree is called "tulip tree" because the leaves resemble the shape of a tulip blossom. Recently, though, I note that some writers are stating that
It is a beautiful tree, and the flowers are stunning, though they are usually above eye level, and thus go unnoticed by many people. I snapped these two pictures of the lowest-hanging flower on a nearby tree. The green petals with orange and yellow accents combine to make a perfect flower. But they must be enjoyed in the now, for they do not last long.
(This particular flower is about eight feet above the ground. I had to pull the branch down to get the interior shot.)
8 comments:
For Michigan it's the apple. That was the inspiration for the song I used to sing to my lovely wife, "When it's apple blossom time in Michigan, we'll make a peach of a pair."
Oops spoke to soon. The state tree of Michigan is the eastern white pine. The state flower is the apple blossom. I shudda knowed bedder.
That is pretty...The smallish tree outside my window, the one I thought was dead, blossomed extravagantly and for some reason I just noticed that it seems to have white leaves or flowers resting directly on top of the green leaves. I must get a photo before the white thingies are gone..it is so pretty.
Chuck, that's okay. Sweet song and lovely sentiment, anyway.
Grace, how interesting. Now I am curious.
I have never seen one until today. Simply gorgeous!
Shelly, they are striking trees: the unique leaf form, the symmetry of the canopy, then the special time of blossom in the Spring.
Thanks for showing what is for the most part a hidden view. Rewarding bike ride!
Slamdunk, happy to post it. Wonderful trees. The thing about the bike is that it is slow enough that one can actually observe things!
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