tulip poplar

[Ann Malaspina]

I joined this group because I'm writing a children's book on Franklin D. Roosevelt and his passion for trees. He said that the tulip poplar was his favorite tree and he planted many on his Hyde Park property.  Is that the correct name for the tree? I've seen different names. Also, I'm looking for any details and anecdotes about FDR and trees. Thanks!

-Ann

[Rebecca Hargrave]

Hi Ann,

That's a good question. Tulip-poplar goes by many names. The scientific is Magnoliaceae Liriodendron tulipifera. But, commonly it's called tulip-poplar, yellow-poplar, tuliptree and probably a few other things. The hyphen is included as it's not a true poplar (Populus spp.). I don't know if you can find any documentation on what FDR called it?

Yellow-poplar is often used when referring to it's wood. But, I say go with what you like. (my favorite is tulip-poplar, what are other folks?)

Rebecca

[Ann Malaspina]

Thanks so much, Rebecca. I'm glad you mentioned the hyphen.  FDR called it a tulip poplar in his notes, so I guess I'll stick with that. But he did not use the hyphen, which I will include in my book for accuracy. Thanks again, 

Ann