The tulip tree can be among the largest native trees in North America and can grow to a heights of 70 to 190 feet. Tulip trees are the magnolia family and have showy tulip-shaped flowers that appear in late spring after the leaves have emerged. Tulip trees are also known as "tulip poplar" and "yellow poplar". The flowers have three green outer sepals and six inner petals which are yellow-green with orange at the base.