When September arrives in Alabama, tulip poplar trees become buzzing hotspots for wildlife activity. The unique combination of Alabama’s late summer climate and the tulip poplar’s seasonal cycles creates perfect conditions for both pollinators and birds.
Many local gardeners mark their calendars for this annual spectacle when these magnificent native trees transform into natural feeding stations.
1. A Nectar Supply That Lasts Through September
Unlike many flowering trees that finish blooming by mid-summer, tulip poplars in Alabama often produce late-season nectar well into September. This happens because our state’s warm fall temperatures extend the active growing period.
Honeybees particularly depend on this late-season bounty to prepare for winter. In my backyard, I’ve timed how quickly a newly opened blossom attracts visitors—often under three minutes!…