Silver Leaf Willow vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Silver Leaf Willow vs Tulip Tree

Salix alba var. sericea

Liriodendron tulipifera

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Silver Leaf Willow
Tulip Tree

Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Silver Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Foliage: narrow-glossy
Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: pale yellow
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: yellow-brown
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: white willow
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar