The Tulip Poplar - Giant of the Arlington Forest

The Tulip Poplar - Giant of the Arlington Forest. . , The oldest trees in this forest probably began growing around 1865. Before that time, most of the trees along Arlington's Palisades were cut down to establish a clear line of sight for the Civil War fortifications surrounding Washington. The most common tree in Arlington's woodlands today is the tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). The mighty specimen you see before you, and the broken shell, or snag, behind you, are two representations of this species of tree. Both are playing an important role in the forest., Individually, or as a member of the forest community, trees strengthen the health of our environment. The leafy canopy of the forest provides cooling shade, and slows falling rain water reducing its erosive force. Trees provide barriers to sound, and shelter from wind. Of course, clean air is probably a tree's most important gift to the planet. A tree will provide food and shelter to many animals during its lifetime. Even after it dies, the snag continues to function as an important part of the forest. The resulting cavities form a safe harbor from predators and weather. Many animals will only use a tree as a nesting spot after it has begun to deay. As the tree slowly decomposes, all of the energy stored during its lifetime is returned to the forest soil to be used again., The tulip poplar is the tallest hardwood tree in North America. It can reach heights of up to two hundred feet. The tree's lovely, tulip-shaped flowers are greenish yellow with a band of orange at the base of each petal. Honey bees who gather nectar from the tulip poplar produce a strongly flavored honey, the color of molasses. Once pollinated by the bees, the flowers develop into cone shaped fruits, consisting of many winged seeds. These seeds are relished by many birds and small mammals., At one time in our history, this tree was often called canoewood. Becasue its habit is to grow tall and straight, with few branches on the lower part of the trunk, it was perfect for making canoes. Native Americans would fell the tree with fire, and then burn and scrape the interior to shape the vessel. Later, settlers continued the practice of fashioning canoes from this tree. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both planted tulip poplars to beautify their homes.