Fauna
Plant

Garden Tulip

Tulipa gesneriana

Also known as Didier's Tulip, Cultivated Tulip

Garden tulips are spring-blooming perennials famous for their goblet-shaped flowers that open wide in direct sunlight and close up at night or in cool weather. They grow from tunicated underground bulbs, producing waxy blue-green leaves and a single central flower stem available in virtually every color except pure blue. Cultivated for centuries since their introduction to Western Europe from the Ottoman Empire, these iconic blossoms rely on winter chilling to trigger their vibrant spring display.

Spring BloomOrnamentalBulb
Garden Tulip reference1 / 7
(c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Igor Balashov · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Squirrels
  • Mice and Voles
  • White-tailed Deer
ThreatsFungal diseases like tulip fire, bulb rot, and herbivory by rodents
HabitatsGardens, cultivated fields, parks, and naturalized meadows
Life spanPerennial (bulbs persist for many years with proper chilling)
Classification
  1. OrderLiliales
  2. FamilyLiliaceae
  3. GenusTulipa
  4. SpeciesTulipa gesneriana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Bulbs contain tulipalin compounds toxic to humans and pets; wear gloves when handling large quantities.
Why it is dangerous
Contains tulipalin compounds that cause gastrointestinal distress if eaten and contact dermatitis known as tulip finger upon heavy handling.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by smooth, waxy blue-green leaves surrounding a single central erect stem topped with a large six-tepaled flower.
What to do
Wear gloves when handling or planting large numbers of bulbs and keep them stored safely away from pets and children.
Responsible observation
  • Sunlight Needs: Plant bulbs in full sun to ensure strong stems and full flower expansion.
  • Soil Preparation: Ensure rich, well-draining soil to prevent winter bulb rot from excess water.
  • Post-Bloom Care: Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming so energy returns to the bulb.
Related species
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