A colleague of mine brought in this specimen. Any idea what it is? Sorry the photo is not perfectly "crisp" but I hope that you can determine the species anyway. The flower is particularly interesting. Thanks for your help. Colleen
Hello Colleen, This is one of those instances where a particularly sharp photograph isn't necessary - the leaf shape gives it away. This is a tulip tree, or Liriodendron tulipifera. If you are from Vancouver, the best place that I know to see these impressive trees is along 10th Ave in the blocks just east of Alma. Some links: Liriodendron tulipifera from the University of Connecticut Liriodendron tulipifera from the Virginia Tech Forestry Dept. Liriodendron tulipifera from Michael Dirr's Noble Plants
Tulip Tree I happened to see a tulip tree the other day and was intrigued by the shape of the leaves ... here is a photo...