Skyfest Poplar vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Skyfest Poplar vs Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Populus x deltoides jefcot

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Tulip Tree
Skyfest Poplar

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.

Bred by Jeffries Nurseries, the Skyfest is a fast growing, tall cottonwood with excellent disease resistance and adaptability to many kinds of soil. In the fall, its leaves turn a golden yellow.

This species has an aggressive root system, making it unsuitable for planting close to buildings but very drought resistant and an excellent choice for shelterbelts.

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Skyfest Poplar Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


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


Native to: ON
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar
Other Names: seedless cottonwood