Liriodendron Trees

trees · magnolia family · nature

Two species exist. There are only two types of Liriodendron trees in the world. One grows in eastern North America and the other in China, making them rare and special trees found far apart.

Unusual leaf shape. Their leaves are flat and squared off at the top, looking like they've been cut with scissors or like a cat's face. This weird shape makes Liriodendron easy to spot in a forest.

Deciduous giants. Most Liriodendron trees drop their leaves in fall and grow them back in spring. They can grow very tall, sometimes reaching heights of over 100 feet in the right conditions.

Pretty tulip flowers. Liriodendron trees have flowers that look like tulips or cats' faces too, with greenish petals and orange markings. These flowers bloom in late spring and attract bees and other pollinators.

Related to magnolias. These trees belong to the magnolia family, which is one of the oldest plant families on Earth. Magnolia trees are ancient and special in the plant kingdom.