The Tulip Tree Mystery

We were hiking recently when we found something interesting...

 It was a petal that looked like this. What could it be?

 Next, we found this lying on the ground.

 Then, we looked up and saw this tree!

We climbed up for a closer look....

 When I saw the shapes of the leaves, I knew that it was a Tulip Tree and now I know why. It's flowers look similar to Tulips.

Here is a closeup of the inside of the Tulip Tree blossom.

The Tulip Ttree (Liriodendron) is part of the Magnolia family. It is easily recognized by it's distinctive four-lobed leaves and tulip-like blossoms.