Liriodendron (/ˌlaɪriəˈdɛndrən, ˌlɪr-, -ioʊ-/[2][3]) is a genus of two species of characteristically large trees, deciduous over most of their populations, in the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae).

Liriodendron trees are easily recognized by their leaves, which are distinctive, having four lobes in most cases and a cross-cut notched or straight apex.

[citation needed] Flowers are 3–10 cm in diameter and have nine tepals — three green outer sepals and six inner petals which are yellow-green, with an orange flare at the base in L. tulipifera and L. x sinoamericanum.

[citation needed] Liriodendron trees are also easily recognized by their general shape, with the higher branches sweeping together in one direction, and they are also recognizable by their height, as the taller ones usually protrude above the canopy of oaks, maples, and other trees—more markedly with the American species.

The largest-volume tulip tree known anywhere is the Sag Branch Giant, which has a trunk and limb volume approaching 4,000 cu ft (110 m3).

[citation needed] Liriodendrons have been reported as fossils from the Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary of North America and central Asia.

They are known widely as Tertiary-age fossils in Europe and well outside their present range in Asia and North America, showing a once-circumpolar northern distribution.

Like many "Arcto-Tertiary" genera, Liriodendron apparently became extinct in Europe due to the east-west orientation of its mountains that blocked southward migration during the large-scale glaciation and aridity of climate during glacial phases.

[citation needed] Liriodendron trees prefer a temperate climate, sun or part shade, and deep, fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic soil.

[citation needed] The name canoewood probably refers to the tree's use for construction of dugout canoes by eastern Native Americans, for which its fine grain and large trunk size is eminently suited.

[citation needed] Tulip tree leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera, for example the eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus).