Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with a fine, uniform texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn face with some distinctive fuzzy grain/tearout from mechanical surfacing.
Color Description
Light cream to yellowish-brown heartwood, often with streaks of grey or green. Sapwood is a pale off-white. It tends to darken or brown significantly when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, furniture frames, interior trim, cabinetry (painted), pallets, crates, and plywood cores.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced (1-2 years), indicated by the light color, lack of significant oxidation, and presence of rough mechanical milling marks.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It takes paint exceptionally well but can be difficult to stain evenly (blotching). Prone to fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Often features green or purple streaks (mineral stain) in the heartwood. It is one of the tallest and straightest hardwoods in North America, leading to clear, knot-free boards.
Finish Recommendations
Priming and painting is highly recommended. For transparent finishes, a pre-stain wood conditioner or a sanding sealer is necessary to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic pale yellow-green tint, fine grain texture, and specific type of 'fuzziness' in the rough-cut areas are classic indicators of Liriodendron tulipifera.