How big does Tulip tree grow?

About 8 m × 6 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 18–30 m × 9–15 m.

What soil does Tulip tree grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Tulip tree toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Tulip tree toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Tulip tree be planted?

Plant it at least 3.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Tulip tree flower?

Flowering: May–July, yellow, green, orange.

How much water does Tulip tree need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Tulip tree cost?

It sells for roughly €17 to €250 in local shops, depending on size.

Tulip tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a large tree that reaches 8 m × 6 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €17.

Illustration of Tulip tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A fast-growing, straight-trunked large park tree with distinctive four-lobed leaves that look cut off at the tip and turn golden yellow in autumn. Its yellowish green, orange-marked, tulip-like flowers open from late May, but only on older trees, typically more than fifteen years old, and high up in the foliage. Plant it in deep, moist, fertile, preferably slightly acidic soil in a sheltered spot, and expect to water it regularly in summer heat and drought, otherwise the leaves yellow and fall already in summer. It reaches about 6 to 8 metres in ten years and 20 to 25 metres in the end; because of its fleshy roots it is best planted in spring.

Watch out for

It copes poorly with the hot, dry summers of Central Europe: in drought the inner leaves yellow and fall as early as July, leaf margins brown, and newly planted trees may die without watering. It is unsuitable for dry, shallow or compacted soil and for paved surroundings. The wood is soft and brittle, so branches break easily in storms, freezing rain and wet snow. Honeydew from aphids drips stickily from the foliage and sooty mould grows on it; verticillium wilt, powdery mildew and leaf spots also occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 8 m × 6 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, yellow, green, orange

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	8 m × 6 m
Ultimate size	18–30 m × 9–15 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, yellow, green, orange
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 3.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Leaves, Fruit, Honeydew
Planting distance	1000 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €17

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-50 cm	approx. €17
60-80 cm	approx. €21
80-100 cm	approx. €28
100-125 cm	approx. €31
125-150 cm	approx. €34
150-175 cm	approx. €38
size not stated	approx. €60 – €250

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Plants that give shade Plants with autumn colour Large trees with autumn colour

Compare with similar plants

Tulip tree vs Indian bean tree Tulip tree vs Japanese pagoda tree

Looks good next to it

Blue holly

Ilex × meserveae

Lenten rose

Helleborus orientalis

Barren strawberry

Waldsteinia ternata