Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn orientation with very subtle cathedral peaks and minimal figure.
Color Description
Creamy white to light yellowish sapwood transition. Heartwood typically ranges from light green to brown, though this sample appears mostly to be light-colored sapwood. It tends to darken or brown significantly with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Interior trim, cabinetry (painted), furniture frames, plywood, pallets, and musical instrument components.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young/modern. Based on the lack of oxidation and sharp, machine-planed edges, it appears to be new stock (under 5 years since milling).
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested in North America. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It is very easy to plane, sand, and glue, though its softness makes it prone to fuzzy grain if tools are dull.
Notable Features
Often has characteristic green or purple mineral streaks in the heartwood. It is virtually odorless and is one of the tallest hardwood trees in North America.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or darker stains. If left natural, a UV-inhibiting clear coat (water-based polyurethane) is recommended to slow the transition to a muddy brown color.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very fine diffuse-porous texture, creamy-white sapwood color, and slight greenish tint is characteristic of Liriodendron tulipifera.