Liriodendron tulipifera

American tulip tree

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the tulip tree, is a majestic deciduous species native to North America. While primarily valued for its timber, it holds traditional medicinal significance. Its various parts have been historically utilized in folk remedies to treat inflammation, respiratory issues, and certain skin conditions.

  • Scientific name: Liriodendron tulipifera
  • Family: Magnoliaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Magnoliales and the family Magnoliaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Liriodendron.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Magnoliales WCVP
Family Magnoliaceae WCVP
Genus Liriodendron WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Liriodendron tulipifera, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In German, it is referred to as the Tulpenbaum, while in Hungarian, it is called the amerikai tulipánfa. In Poland, it is known as tulipanowiec amerykański, and in South Korea, it is identified as 백합나무. Additionally, in the local terminology of Luxembourg, it is commonly called Tulpebam.
Language Common Name Source
lb Tulpebam Wikidata
pl Tulipanowiec amerykański Wikidata
ko 백합나무 Wikidata
hu amerikai tulipánfa Wikidata
de Tulpenbaum Wikidata
ja ユリノキ Wikidata
koi Америкаись лириодендрон Wikidata
hsb Prawy tulpowc Wikidata
sv Tulpanträd Wikidata
eo Tulipa liriodendro Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably broad and varied geographical distribution across multiple continents. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the regions of Austria and Germany. Its presence extends across the Atlantic to Eastern Canada, specifically in Ontario. Within the North-Central United States, the species is established in states such as Illinois. Additionally, this plant reaches the North-Central Pacific, where it is located in Hawaii.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
North-Central Pacific Hawaii WCVP
Eastern Canada Ontario WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Connecticut WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Indiana WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Massachusetts WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Michigan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the tulip tree, possesses distinct morphological features across its various structures. The twigs are characterized by their straight, slender growth and alternate arrangement, often bearing small, inconspicuous buds that signal the onset of new seasonal development. Complementing these woody stems are the large, broadly ovate leaves, which are easily recognized by their unique four-lobed shape that resembles a tulip flower. Together, these components not only define the tree's grand silhouette but also play vital roles in its overall biological function and traditional medicinal context.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
twigs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Liriodendron tulipifera has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, (-)-sesamin, (-)-syringaresinol, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone, blumenol A.

Total chemicals
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-sesamin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-syringaresinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
blumenol A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
costunolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dehydrocostus lactone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epi-tulipinolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
laurenobiolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Liriodendron tulipifera has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.

Total activities
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiseptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Liriodendron tulipifera has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antimalarial, breast cancer, gastric cancer, liver fibrosis, wound infections.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver fibrosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆