The tulip tree is one of the largest deciduous hardwood trees in North America. It is known as the tulip tree for its large flowers, which resemble tulips. The leaves resemble tulips as well. The Latin for the tree means “lily tree.” The flowers are up to 5 inches in diameter and have green outer petals around yellow petals with an orange flare at the base. The tree flowers when around 15 years old. The fruit is a cone-like cluster of samaras. The wood of the tulip tree is used for furniture, veneer, paneling, and plywood. Tulip trees have been reported as fossils from the Cretaceous period, and the tulip tree likely went extinct in Europe during the ice age.