American Tulip tree - Liriodendron tulipifera

The Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the state tree of Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. It also goes by the name Tulip Poplar or American Tulip tree.

The tree is a fast growing tree that can grow to be quite tall and is valued as a source of timber.

The "tulip" part of the name comes from the shape of the flower as can be seen in the image below.

(Image credit: Natalie Rowe, www.earlyforest.com)

This tree has an interesting 6-10 pointed, slightly palmate symetrical leaf shape. The leaves are about 5-6 inches accross.

These images come from the "Molino de Inca" botanical garden in Torremolinos Spain.

Other trees with a "tulip" shaped flowers are...
Southern Magnolia
Saucer Magnolia