Tulip Poplar

One of the easier trees to pick out while walking through the hardwood forests of the Appalachians, the tulip poplar has distinctive tulip-blossom shaped leaves.

This time of year, they sport a large and extremely showy flower.

In size, shape, and structure, the bloom is similar to a southern magnolia. But their brilliant orange and yellow centers are eye-catching.

Hundreds bob overhead amid the green canopy, but most hikers never look up. Normally, you'll only notice it by finding a fallen one along the footpath. Usually in pieces, usually after a rain.

Tulip poplars tend to be the tallest trees in these mountains. They grow as far south as Central Florida.

The southernmost stand of tulip poplars we're aware of back home is along the Cross Seminole Trail in Spring Hammock Preserve, Longwood.