I was pleased to hear from a handful of people last week who knew the identity of last week’s puzzler. These are the seeds from a tulip poplar tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)! This tree is also called a yellow-poplar, tulip magnolia, tulip tree and whitewood. At first the seeds are all together in this great dried “flower” but then as they age, each seed disconnects from the middle and falls to the ground. There are many seeds in each one and many on the whole tree. Squirrels readily eat them, even though it must be a lot of work to collect them as they are so small.
Tulip poplar trees are one of the tallest native hardwoods that grow in North America, growing up to 150 feet tall in the mature forest. It is known for its straight trunk. Because of this, Native Americans used them to build their canoes, giving the tree the nickname, “canoe tree.”
Here’s a photo of the gorgeous flowers that gave the tree its name. People often find these in the spring and wonder where they came from.
Check out our next puzzler–a beautiful star-shape on the forest floor.
Have a great weekend!