Tulip Tree vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Tulip Tree vs Bitternut Hickory

Liriodendron tulipifera

Carya cordiformis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Tulip Tree
Bitternut Hickory

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.

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


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


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