Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the center; typically has a uniform and medium texture.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy white to pale yellowish-green; heartwood is light-to-medium green or yellowish-brown, often with dark purple, blue, or black streaks (often called mineral stain). It tends to darken or turn brown upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture frames, interior trim, cabinetry, plywood, pallets, crates, paper pulp, and musical instruments (organ pipes). Commonly used as a paint-grade wood.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Southern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on region and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 1-2 years based on the lack of oxidation and fresh surfaced edges.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and rated as Least Concern by the IUCN; highly sustainable and widely available in FSC certified forms.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It is very easy to plane, saw, and glue, though it is so soft that it can sometimes leave a fuzzy surface if tools are not sharp. It takes paint exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when being worked; relatively lightweight for a hardwood; known for its characteristic green heartwood which distinguishes it from most other domestic hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Ideally suited for paint or solid stains. If using clear finishes, a sanding sealer or gel stain is recommended to prevent blotchiness, followed by polyurethane or lacquer.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct pale green tint in the grain, the creamy white sapwood, and the specific cathedral grain structure are classic indicators of Liriodendron tulipifera.