Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a relatively uniform and diffuse-porous structure. This sample shows flat-sawn characteristics with some visible gray-green mineral staining common in the species.
Color Description
Sapwood is creamy white to off-white; heartwood typically ranges from light yellow to olive green. This sample displays the characteristic green/grey streaks and a pale, low-luster surface that tends to darken to brown upon UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; heartwood has low resistance to decay and is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, furniture frames, cabinetry (paint-grade), interior trim, plywood, musical instruments, and light construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely 0-5 years since milling, showing fresh surfaces and minimal oxidation of the sapwood.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent. One of the easiest hardwoods to work with; staples, glues, and nails well. It may produce fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp, but it sands easily.
Notable Features
Distinctive green/purple/black mineral staining in the heartwood. Very lightweight for a hardwood, relatively odorless, and known for being the premier 'paint-grade' wood.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or solid stains. If clear coating, a sanding sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness from uneven absorption.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy color combined with the specific olive-gray mineral streaks and the fine, diffuse-porous grain structure are diagnostic of Liriodendron tulipifera.