The tulipier of Virginia ( Liriodendron will tulipifera , of the Greek leiros , lily and dendron , tree) is a leafy tree of the family of the Magnoliacée S. Originating in the south and the east of the the United States of America, it rises up to 60 meters in its place of origin (35  m in Europe) and can live there until 500  years (approximately 300  years in Europe).

It was introduced in France starting from the beginning of the 18th century, in particular by of Galissonnière. Most known was planted with the Petit Trianon of Versailles for the Queen Marie-Antoinette in 1771 and was cut down by the storm of December 1999. It is distinguished above all by its sheet. This one, Null and void, simple, alternates comprises 2 or 4 Lobe S with a clear notch. It is yellow-green in spring and in summer, yellow in autumn.

The flower, Hermaphrodite, solitary, are drawn up, comprise 9 Tépale S (undifferentiated petals and sepals) including 3 Sépale S green clearly surrounding 6 Pétale S evolving/moving of very clear green to white, orange yellow at the base and slightly odorous. Its form makes it resemble a Tulipe, from where the name of the species. Its nectar is appréciè by the bees (at least in the United States) and excellent a very dark Miel gives to it.

It gives a drawn up conical fruit. With maturity, as from October, it releases many Akène S winged or simple Samare S (winged seeds, comparable with that of the Frêne).

The young branches are red dark while the bark becomes gray dark, finely fissured into growing old.

There exists one second species, the Tulipier of China ( Liriodendron chinense ): the sheet, more cut out and round, differs slightly from that of the tulipier of Virginia.

It is mainly used in partnership with others of gasolines or only, with an aim of ornament. Its wood, easily travaillable, are also used in cabinet work in America.

It resists rather well cold and needs much water, in well drained ground. Its exploitation is currently studied in the South-west of France (Béarn and the Basque Country) whose wet climate would be appropriate to him well.

One extracts from his bark the Liriodendrine, a succedaneous Alcaloïde of the Quinine.