Move over Bradford pear, the Tuliptree is Baltimore’s new official city tree
Six strong candidates vied for the honor, but online voters chose the towering, flowering Liriodendron tulipifera to replace the now frowned-upon Bradford pear
Above: Mayor Brandon Scott joins costumed characters representing the six candidate species vying to be designated the Official City Tree of Baltimore. (Jennifer Bishop)
It’s been more than a half century since Mayor William Donald Schaefer declared the Bradford pear the official City Tree of Baltimore.
Since then, its reputation as America’s fast-growing, spring-flowering, urban-street-tree of choice has crumbled.
These days, Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’, as it’s technically known, is reviled as an ecological menace.
Considered invasive, the Bradford pear chokes out native species, has limbs that split off and fall over and gives off a scent from its flowers said to resemble dead fish or urine.
No surprise it’s been basically canceled.
That’s why, in May, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks launched a contest, inviting the public to vote on a replacement. (Technically, the cultivar Schaefer singled out was the Chanticleer pear, but it’s commonly referred to as the Bradford pear.)
A relative of the magnolia, the Tuliptree boasts striking yellow and orange flowers. (trees.com)
Nominations were reviewed by Rec & Parks’ Forestry division and TreeBaltimore, resulting in six finalists: Bald cypress, Bitternut hickory, Blackgum, Overcup oak, American sycamore and Tuliptree. The public was invited to vote online and nearly 2,000 people chimed in.
On Thursday, the winner was announced: the Tuliptree.
The reveal took place at the Cylburn Arboretum, site of the annual TreeBaltimore Summer Gathering.
There was food and drink and tree-themed cosplay, culminating in a running race featuring people costumed to resemble the six finalists. (Think condiment mascots Ketchup, Mustard and Relish galloping around the Camden Yards ballpark.)
Mayor Brandon Scott officiates as six tree species line up for the race. BELOW: And, they’re off! Looks like Blackgum’s got a comfortable lead. (Jennifer Bishop)
Mayor Brandon Scott acted as race starter. Other notables in attendance included Rec & Parks Director Reginald Moore and the orange, mustachioed, tree-defending Dr. Seuss character, The Lorax.
“Beginning in 2027, the Tuliptree will be honored and incorporated into plantings alongside the wide diversity of tree species already found throughout Baltimore’s streets and parks,” Rec & Parks said in a news release.
Two “I speak for the trees” characters: The Lorax and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks urban forester, Zoe Gensheimer. (Jennifer Bishop)
Tall and Showy
TreeBaltimore has the 911 on the Liriodendron tulipifera that city residents can expect to see more of.
Though its scientific name translates to “lily tree bearing tulips,” this distinctive tree species is actually in the magnolia family.
“Tuliptrees are notable for their size, fast growth, useful wood, showy flowers, distinct leaf shape, and cultural importance,” the website notes, adding that Tuliptrees can reach up to 200 feet in height and live for up to 300 years.
Another feature that perhaps explains why city voters went hard for the Tuliptree:
“Due to their height and high branch structure,” TreeBaltimore notes, “they are an appealing site for the hanging nests of Baltimore orioles. ”