Species Category Name: Woody
Prunus serotina has showy white flower clusters in the spring that attract many butterflies, bees and other insects. All parts of the tree, except the fruits are poisonous to humans. This tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree.
Liriodendron tulipifera is Indiana’s state tree.
The tulip poplar is planted for reforestation purposes because of its rapid growth and the commercial importance of its wood, and is often planted as an ornamental.
This species has some wildlife value. The fruits provide food for squirrels in the late fall and winter months, and the white-tailed deer often browse on the twigs.
LEAVES ovate in shape and slightly serrated at the edges, but with a smooth surface, 2-5 inches long
TWIGS reddish-brown, slender, with tiny white horizontal lines or dashes along the outside
FLOWERS white and pink, 7-10mm in diameter, 4-5 petals
FRUIT dark, almost black edible cherry fruits with a small pit in the middle; very sweet tasting
YOUNG BARK medium-length, white dashes that are horizontal on the trunk and twigs
AGED BARK plates that are splitting from trunk and curving outward, vertical-length
MATURE HEIGHT 25-80 feet tall
MATURE TRUNK 15-25 feet wide
