Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain; primarily flat-sawn with some cathedral figure visible. The grain is uniform and closed-pore.
Color Description
Light cream to yellowish-brown heartwood with characteristic mineral streaks of grey, green, and dark brown. Sapwood is a pale creamy white. It tends to darken or brown significantly with exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if used outdoors without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture frames, cabinetry, interior trim, pallets, crates, plywood, and paint-grade millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/recently milled (less than 5 years). The absence of deep honey-colored oxidation suggests a relatively fresh or freshly sanded surface.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It is easy to plane, glue, and take nails/screws, though it is prone to 'fuzzing' if sanded with dull abrasives.
Notable Features
Often displays green or purple mineral streaks; very lightweight for a hardwood; faint, characteristic scent when working; excellent paint-holding properties.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or solid stains. If clear-coated, a UV-inhibiting polyurethane is recommended to slow the transition from green/cream to brown.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the creamy base color, distinctive dark gray/green mineral streaks, and soft-hardwood grain texture is highly characteristic of Liriodendron tulipifera.