Tulip Poplar - Liriodendron tulipifera

Native to Georgia's Piedmont clay, the tulip poplar is one of the fastest-growing native shade trees in the Southeast, prized for its tulip-shaped leaves and tall, straight trunk. It thrives in Georgia's heavier clay soils and rewards a good site with rapid growth.

Expect roughly 15 ft of height by year 5, 30 ft by year 10, 45 ft by year 15, and 60 ft by year 20 under good growing conditions — eventually reaching 70-90 ft at full maturity, among the tallest native hardwoods in the East.

Plant at least 20 feet from your home's foundation and other structures to give this fast-growing giant room to spread.