Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood / Tulip Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf, classified as Soft
- Durability
- Non-durable to moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if left in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, even texture. The face grain shows a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern with a small tight knot near the top and typical mineral streaking.
Color & Appearance
Sapwood is creamy white, sometimes with a striped appearance. Heartwood can vary widely from light cream or yellowish-brown to olive green, purple, blue, or black (often referred to as mineral streaks). The greenish tones tend to darken and turn brown or amber upon exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf, classified as Soft
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if left in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and region
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively freshly milled or recently dried lumber, estimated to be under 5 years old based on the bright surface tones and lack of heavy surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, not on the IUCN Red List; widely abundant, fast-growing, and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture framing, cabinetry, interior trim, plywood core stock, doors, siding, pallets, and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; easy to machine, plane, turn, glue, and bore. It takes paint and stain very well, though staining can sometimes appear blotchy due to soft and porous areas, often requiring a pre-stain conditioner.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, lacquers, and varnishes exceptionally well. Because of its soft nature and tendency to absorb stains unevenly, a wood conditioner or sanding sealer is recommended before staining.
Notable Features
Features characteristic greenish-gray mineral streaks and a soft, lightweight nature despite being botanically classified as a hardwood. It is one of the tallest hardwoods native to North America.
