What is the shape of the leaves on a tulip tree?

The leaves of a tulip tree are characteristic for their unique shape, which is simple and typically described as four-lobed. This distinct lobed appearance resembles a tulip flower, from which the tree gets its common name. The lobes are separated by deep notches, giving the leaves a broad and flat look, which is quite different from the shapes found in other tree species.

In contrast, options that describe the leaves as compound, such as the mention of six-lobes or heart-shaped, do not align with the true structure of tulip tree leaves. A compound leaf consists of multiple leaflets attached to a single stem, while the tulip tree features single leaves without this structure. Therefore, recognizing the simple and four-lobed design is essential for identifying the tulip tree accurately in forestry studies.