Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood / Tulip Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot when exposed to ground contact or moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to fine uniform texture. Flat-sawn surface displaying subtle cathedral patterning.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light yellowish-brown to olive-green, frequently featuring streaks of purple, dark green, gray, or blue (commonly referred to as mineral streaks or rainbow poplar). Sapwood is a pale creamy white. The greenish colors tend to darken and turn brown upon exposure to UV light and oxidation.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot when exposed to ground contact or moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 2.00 to 4.00 USD per board foot (standard domestic utility hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated at under 5 years based on minimal oxidation and raw surface condition.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely abundant and sustainably harvested across its native range, not listed on CITES.
Common Uses
Interior trim, cabinetry, furniture framing, plywood, molding, pallets, and painted millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability. Cuts, planes, routs, and sands easily with both hand and machine tools, though sharp blades are needed to prevent fuzzy surfaces due to its softer density.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, stains, and clear finishes exceptionally well. Because the green heartwood tones darken over time, a UV-inhibiting clear coat or opaque paint is frequently recommended for color consistency.
Notable Features
Fast-growing utility hardwood with distinctive greenish-yellow coloration and high dimensional stability once dried.
