American Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with fairly diffuse-porous features and minimal figuring.
Color Description
Heartwood is light cream to yellowish-brown with characteristic greenish or greyish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow to white. It darkens to a brown/amber hue upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Pulpwood, furniture frames, interior trim, cabinetry (painted), pallets, crates, and plywood.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily the United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 to $4.50 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/Recent; the wood shows very little oxidation, no patina, and crisp mechanical saw marks on the end grain.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; IUCN status of Least Concern. Very sustainable due to fast growth and abundant supply.
Workability
Excellent; easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well, though it can be fuzzy when sanded if tools are not sharp. Paints exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Faint, non-distinct odor. Low density for a hardwood. Known for its ability to take paint better than almost any other North American hardwood.
Finish Recommendations
Primarily recommended for painting. For natural finishes, use a sealer or gel stain to avoid blotchiness; polyurethane or lacquer works well for clear coats.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive cream-to-green color transition, fine grain texture, and visible end-grain growth rings are diagnostic for Liriodendron tulipifera.