Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood / Tulip Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf - Soft
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if left untreated outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to medium-coarse grain with a uniform texture. The face grain shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with some subtle wavy figure.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light yellowish-brown to olive green, sometimes with streaks of purple, blue, or black. Sapwood is a pale creamy white. The greenish tones typically darken to a rich brown with UV exposure over time.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf - Soft
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if left untreated outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or fresh lumber (under 5 years old), showing minimal oxidation and bright greenish-yellow coloration.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), abundant and widely available, often FSC certified, highly sustainable.
Common Uses
Interior cabinetry, furniture framing, moldings, plywood, interior trim, turnings, and painted woodwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; planes, cuts, and routs easily with hand and machine tools, though sharp blades are needed to prevent slight fuzzy surfaces on softer zones.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, stains, and clear finishes (lacquer, polyurethane, oil) very well, though staining can sometimes appear blotchy requiring a pre-stain conditioner.
Notable Features
Features characteristic olive-green heartwood coloration which distinguishes it from true poplars, stable when dry, lightweight, and takes paint exceptionally well.
