Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a uniform and medium-to-tight texture. It typically exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern when wider, though this specific narrow strip shows linear grain with minimal figure.
Color Description
Creamy white to pale yellowish sapwood. Heartwood (often visible in streaks) is light olive green to dark brown, sometimes with streaks of purple or blue. This sample is primarily sapwood, showing a clean, pale cream color with a slight greenish tint that typically darkens to brown/yellow with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if left exposed to moisture or soil contact.
Common Uses
Cabinet frames, drawer sides, interior trim, paint-grade furniture, plywood, pallets, and musical instrument components.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
New to recent; the wood shows very little UV oxidation or patina, appearing as freshly milled S4S (surfaced four sides) stock.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. Highly sustainable due to fast growth and abundance in North American forests.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It is easy to plane and sand, though its softness can lead to fuzzy surfaces if tools aren't sharp. Glues and finishes well, though it is often painted due to its inconsistent heartwood colors.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when worked; remarkably lightweight for a hardwood; lacks distinctive taste. It is known for its ability to take paint exceptionally well without grain telegraphing.
Finish Recommendations
Primarily recommended for paint-grade applications. If staining, a pre-stain conditioner is required as it can be blotchy. Clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer are internal-only due to low rot resistance.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the pale cream/white color, fine grain, and the specific greenish-yellow undertone characteristic of Liriodendron tulipifera is very distinct.