Eastern Cottonwood vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Eastern Cottonwood vs Tulip Tree

Populus deltoides

Liriodendron tulipifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Eastern Cottonwood
Tulip Tree

This fast and tall growing tree has an open, spreading crown and is more suited to waterside planting than other aspens and poplars.

Commonly found in floodplains, stream valleys and lake shores, this tree quickly fills in reclamation areas.

In order to reproduce and grow effectively, Eastern Cottonwood relies on the natural flooding cycle to ensure they are not out-competed by weeds and other plants.

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.

Eastern Cottonwood Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: 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: low
Suckering: none
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: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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