I noticed that the Tulip trees have started blooming.  There are lots in our neighborhood; just look up.  You can see the large orange and green flowers covering the branches.  They look just like tulips.  BTW:  the leaves even look like tulips:  with four lobes.

 

Even though it is called Tulip Poplar, it isn't related to tulips or Poplars at all.  It is a relative of the Magnolia.  Remember the Saucer Magnolia?  Look how similar the flowers are.  Same family, different genera.

 

Here's another botanical name I remember from Horticulture School (1973):  Liriodendron tulipifera.  Love saying that!!  I also love seeing these trees in bloom.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!