American Sycamore vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

American Sycamore vs Tulip Tree

Platanus occidentalis

Liriodendron tulipifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Sycamore
Tulip Tree

American Sycamore is the largest tree native to eastern North America. Generally too large and messy to be a street tree, American Sycamore thrives in large, open spaces, such as an acreage or farm.

The bark is one of the main features that draw people to this tree. The outer bark flakes off in irregular pieces to reveal an attractive white, green, and cream colored inner layer, providing winter interest.

American Sycamore has an extremely fast growth rate, gaining up to 6 ft in one year, and will easily reach its mature height in a short period of time. Be wary of this trees' root system, as it's typically very extensive and needs lots of room to expand.

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.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 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: 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
Native to: ON
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar