Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

INSIDE IOWA STATE
June 14, 2002

Is this the way to South Carolina?

Among the many old, old and just plain unusual plantings on campus is a single specimen of the Tuliptree. The tree is tucked away on the east side of LeBaron Hall, near the building, to protect it from the winter elements. The Tuliptree, called Yellow Poplar by some, is a member of the magnolia family and the tallest hardwood in North America. It essentially is a southern tree, but can be found as far north as New England and (with a few obvious exceptions) as far west as Illinois. Its distinguishing characteristics include large, bright green, glossy leaves and tulip-shaped flowers, two to three inches high and wide, of yellow, orange and green. Photo by Bob Elbert.