A popular landscape specimen tree, planted for shade and ornamental purposes. Start to grow your own from seed this January, with the stratification time they will be ready for spring planting.The Beautiful Tulip Tree is a member of the magnolia family, (Liriodendron tulipifera) Named for its blooms, which look a lot like tulips.A popular landscape specimen tree, planted for shade and ornamental purposes. Start to grow your own from seed this January, with the stratification time they will be ready for spring planting. The tulip tree is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.