Tulip tree

The Tulip Tree is not a native of this country or even the continent of Europe.  In its native North America it is known as the yellow poplar, though it is not related to the true poplars.  But it does grow well here and after several years, maybe 25, it produces its pale cream flowers, which are more like water lilies than tulips.

The name is probably due to the unusually shaped leaves which have four points - almost unknown in the leafy world.   They could be said to resemble the shape of a tulip.  

The flowers apparently are at their most impressive by moonlight, so if you want to venture out one moonlit night, the two photos above are of a tree in the Castle School Upper School grounds, just inside the fence.  Or there is the one shown below, peeping over a wall opposite the Hatch at the bottom of Castle Street. 

Unfortunately he flowers are often hidden among the leaves.