Look what I found: Liriodendron tulipifera

Also known as the tulip tree, yellow poplar, or tulip poplar (even though it's not related to tulips or poplars).

Tulip poplar is native to the eastern United States and is one of the largest eastern hardwoods.  According to the Maryland State Champion Tree List (who knew there was such a thing?), the largest tulip poplar in Maryland is in Anne Arundel county with a  height of 126' and a circumference of 23'.  That's pretty darn big -- there were only a handful of other trees on the list that were taller. 

I've always admired this tree from afar.  I love the unique shape of the leaf and the orange/light green coloring of the flowers, but I've shied away from planting it because the tulip poplar gets a bad rap in this area.  Since the it is so tall, it doesn't always fit into the suburban landscape well.  It's fast-growing and tends to be a little weak wooded, so it's prone to falling in bad storms.  Tulip poplar trees also attract aphids, which can leave a sticky mess beneath the tree.

We have at least three in the woods, but I don't think ours are anywhere near 126'.  They're far enough away that they won't fall on our house and if they get aphids, it shouldn't bother us.  I can't wait to see what the leaves look like in the fall.

Are there any trees you've admired from afar?