Tulip-tree (Liriodendron tulipifera, family Magnoliaceae) is a native forest giant sometimes planted in lawns, parks, and cemeteries. In late May it abundantly produces large flowers, superficially resembling those of tulips.


 After flowering, the petals fall to the ground, looking like festive little pieces of ribbon.


European linden (Tilia europea, family Tiliaceae) is a commonly planted street tree, similar to our basswood (T. americana). It abundantly bears small yellow flowers in few-flowered clusters fused to a distinctive leaf-like bract. In late June, vast numbers of shed petals and spent stamens litter the ground beneath the trees, along with a few entire flower clusters.


Honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos, family Caesalpinaceae) is a native tree that is often planted as a street tree partly because its teeny-tiny leaflets don't require raking. The female trees though can be pesky for sure, as the strap-shaped legumes gracefully adorn the streets and sidewalks beneath them.

Each tulip-tree flower produces many fruits of a type called a "samara," which is a one-seeded fruit that is winged for wind dispersal. Tulip-tree samaras, as well as those of various maple and ash species litter the ground in autumn and winter.