Yellow Poplar (Tulip Tree)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight and uniform; lacks distinctive figure but can occasionally show subtle curly patterns or mineral staining.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light cream to yellowish brown, often with grey or green streaks; Sapwood is pale white to creamy yellow. Colors tend to darken to a more olive-brown or tan with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if used in outdoor, high-moisture environments.
Common Uses
Light construction, furniture frames, cabinetry interior components, plywood, paper pulp, and trim/molding (usually painted).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.00 per board foot (standard retail)
Wood Age Estimate
Living specimen: Estimated 40-70 years based on trunk diameter and bark texture development.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected; often FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent workability; easy to machine, plane, and sand. It holds glue and nails well, though it is quite soft and can dent easily.
Notable Features
Often called 'Tulipwood' or 'Canoe Wood'. It has a very faint scent when being worked and is known for its ability to take paint extremely well due to its fine, uniform texture.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or opaque stains; if natural, a drying oil or polyurethane is recommended, though its green mineral streaks can be difficult to manage with transparent stains.
Identification Confidence
High. The bark's characteristic deep furrows and flat-topped ridges, combined with the presence of an American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) immediately to its left, are classic markers of an Eastern North American deciduous forest composition.