Aspen or White Poplar
Populus tremuloides • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with a uniform and tight texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn surface with very subtle, indistinct growth rings and a lack of visible figure.
Color Description
Creamy white to light grayish-brown heartwood. The sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. It has a low natural luster and tends to weather to a silvery gray if left unfinished.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Pulpwood, crates, pallets, matchsticks, tongue depressors, sauna slats (due to low heat conductivity), and some inexpensive furniture components.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America, throughout Canada and the Northern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently processed; showing minimal oxidation or UV-induced darkening, likely less than 1-2 years since harvest.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed on CITES appendices. Frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its softness can lead to fuzzy surfaces if tools are not extremely sharp. Glues and finishes well but can be difficult to stain evenly without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless and tasteless. It has a very low thermal conductivity and does not splinter easily, making it ideal for saunas and food-contact items.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes or clear lacquers to maintain the white color. If staining, a wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the extremely pale color, lack of visible pores (diffuse-porous), and fine, fuzzy texture are characteristic of the Populus genus.