Being away from home for the week has gotten me homesick.  I need something to cheer me up and remind of the flat rolling expanse of land that is Indiana.  How about we take sometime this week and discuss Indiana’s state tree!  A wonderful flowering tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, or the Tulip Poplar.

Being the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee shows just a glimpse into why this is a wonderful specimen.  The largest growing hardwood tree east of the Mississippi and a fast grower makes it a great tree to add to a treeless yard.  Having the added benefit of late spring blooms, bright yellow fall coloration and a distinct shape gives the Tulip poplar a lot of positives.  The tree is not just good for you landscape though, Tulip poplars are a great food source for many animals!  Sadly these trees were once a dominant and abundant species, but due to over logging the tree has seen its numbers dwindle.

Maybe next arbor day you can help to repopulate Indiana with this spectacular tree!  Read more about the tree here!