Other Names: tulip magnolia, whitewood, and often called yellow poplar or tulip poplar, but this tree is not a true poplar
Number of Species: 2
Family: Magnoliaceae
Genus/Species: Liriodendron tulipfera
Leaf: Simple lobed alternate, deciduous, 3–6 inches in length, each leaf is very uniquely shaped with 4–6 pointed lobes, smooth toothless margin, shiny green above and paler below. The yellow flowers resemble a tulip and usually have an orange base.
Bark: Brown to gray and deeply furrowed
Fruit: Aggregate fruits are 2–3 inches in length, light brown when mature, cone-shaped, and grow upright on the branches
Magickal Properties and Lore: Love, youth, energy, vibrance, healing, and matters of the heart
Practical Uses: The wood has been used to make canoes, toys, pulpwood, furniture, cabinets, crates, and musical instruments.
Medicinal Properties: Some Native Americans consumed the root bark to rid the body of worms. Other parts, such as the leaves, bark, and branches, are used to reduce fever and promote urination. The inner bark is a powerful aid for treating problems with the heart, the nervous system, and the digestive system.