Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a relatively uniform, closed-pore appearance. This sample exhibits a flat-sawn face with subtle cathedral figuring and minimal interlock.
Color Description
The heartwood is light cream to yellowish-brown with characteristic greenish-grey mineral streaks. The sapwood (visible on the right edge) is pale white. It darkens significantly to a brownish-yellow upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left unprotected or in contact with soil.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, interior trim, furniture frames (painted), plywood, pallets, crates, and light construction. Often used for secondary wood components like drawer sides.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/new stock, likely less than 2-5 years since milling, as evidenced by the lack of significant oxidative darkening (patina) and the presence of fresh rough edges.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected. Considered very sustainable due to fast growth and abundance in North American forests.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It machines, planes, and sands easily, though its softness can lead to "fuzziness" if tools are not sharp. It glues and finishes well, especially for painting.
Notable Features
Low density for a hardwood; lacks a distinct odor. Notable for the greenish tint in the heartwood and its excellent ability to hold paint compared to oily or open-grained woods.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or opaque stains. If clear-coated, a water-based polyurethane helps maintain the light color, though oil-based finishes will highlight the green/yellow contrast.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the creamy-yellow color, distinctive greenish-grey streaks, and the tight, fine grain structure is diagnostic for Liriodendron tulipifera.