Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: variegated tulip tree

Family: Magnoliaceae

Distribution: Garden Origin

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 5a -20 to -15 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental flowering shade tree

Comments: Tulip tree is the queen of the eastern North American woodland and the tallest-growing deciduous tree in North America. Its leaves are distinctive-shaped somewhat like a tulip in outline. In June this majestic tree produces lime-green, tulip-shaped flowers marked with a tangerine chevron at the base. The flowers are large, but sometimes hard to see, as they are nestled among the green leaves. 'Aureomarginatum', tulip tree's variegated cultivar, is among the most elegant of variegated trees. The unusually shaped leaves emerge bright, creamy white with a splash of fresh green in the center. The color softens in summer to dark green and chartreuse.
Tulip trees prefer a location in full sun to light or open shade. They will grow well in moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy sites and clay. They also tolerate areas that have standing water periodically in the winter. Once established they are drought tolerant.