Although it is found in moist soils in its native habitat it will tolerate drier conditions if the soil is amended with organic matter and almost constant moisture is attained. When distressed, by lack of moisture, nutrients, or compacted soil, its leaves will turn yellow and drop.
Tulip tree leaves have a very distinctive squarish shape. The leaves are large, and reach a length of 4-8 inches. They are alternate, truncated at the apex and base, with four to six pointed lobes. In the fall the foliage turns a yellow-golden color.
The large 2 inch blooms are tulip shaped, yellow-green in color, and have orange centers. They appear in late spring and early summer, and may be difficult to see because they seem to bloom at the upper most portion of the tree. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies use the flowers as a nectar source.