Tulipa sylvestris – Wood Tulip

We usually think of tulips as a “once and done” plant, but this species tulip is often found in old gardens naturalized under deciduous trees. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, the Wood Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris) may only flower sparsely, but with many slender tulip leaves arising from underground stolons. This year at Northview we have more flowers, it may be weather dependent, but I have not yet figured it out. The closed nodding flower bud, rising on 14″ stems (35cm) is barely visible; as the outside of its three outer petals is washed with darker green and burgundy. When the flower opens in the sunshine, the bright yellow interior is revealed; a spring flower to brighten part shade.