Birch Leaf Spirea vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Birch Leaf Spirea vs Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Spiraea betulifolia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Tulip Tree
Birch Leaf Spirea

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.

Birch Leaf Meadowsweet is a small, rounded shrub, reaching 3 to 4 feet high.

In the early summer, white flowers emerge with dark green foliage. Come fall, birch-like leaves turn a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and purple adding seasonal interest.

Native to Japan and Eastern Asia, this dwarf shrub attracts butterflies and is an excellent option for the front row of a shrub border.

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Birch Leaf Spirea Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


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
Other Names: birch leaf meadowsweet, shiny leaf spirea, white spirea