Tulipa sylvestris is also known as the famous Woodland Tulip. It has naturalized in Northern Europe and the UK since the 16th century. Its exact origin is unknown, but stories go back Italy, the Balkan, North Africa and Iran. Although its common name suggests it grows in woodlands, Tulipa sylvestris is not very fond of forests and other shady places, It rather grows in meadows, fields and orchards where it gets plenty of sunlight. Probably there has been made a translation mistake in history, because sylvestris means wild and not woodland. Because naturalized bulbs tend to grow deeper, they had the chance to survive in fields because the ploughs didn't reach deep enough to lift the bulbs. Once settled in well drained, moist, clayish (not acidic), humus rich soil Tulipa sylvestris comes back for years. The deep yellow, lovely scented flowers knod a bit before they open. Once opened the petals open up completely and the frivolous flower stands upright. Note that the outer petals have a green marking on the outside. Described by Carl Linnaeus himself in 1753. |
