I am wild harvesting to formulate small batch hand poured intention candles. These are Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) flower petals. It is a very tall tree and these were ground collected. The tulip tree is in the magnolia family and is also known as the Tulip Poplar or the canoe tree.There are two species, the Asian and the North American. The North American variety reaches 58 m (192 feet) in height.The tulip tree is rivaled in height in eastern forests only by the white pine, loblolly pine, and eastern hemlock. The flowers are 3-10cm in diameter and form after 15 years in age. Its wood has been used traditionally for furniture, and cabinetry and is only slightly rot resistant and not used in shipbuilding, but rather small crafts. Native Americans used the large trunks to create dugout canoes due to it’s fine grain.
Traditionally, the inner bark was used as a tonic medicine, and the highly astringent leaves were applied topically for fever, sprains, bruises and rheumatic swellings. It has also been used to overcome a long illness and stimulates the appetite and improves digestion. It has been used as a Native American heart remedy and after a stroke. The root bark induces sweating. Some herbalists use for autoimmune diseases.
The tulip tree has been known spiritually as a flower essence to overcome low self esteem, bring spiritual nourishment, and a reconnection with your spiritual nature. To connect to a plants spirit you approach it with an open heart. You ask the plant spirits if they would be willing to teach you. And you wait. Trees move in a different time awareness than we do. You visit again and follow your inner calling, it may be small, an inner knowing or where you feel called, an image, a melody. Plant spirits may talk to you in a way only you understand and usually not in words. Thank the spirits for listening and leave offerings of tobacco, or milk and honey.I have been helping the Tulp trees in my backyard that are covered in bittersweet invasive vine.
