Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured, and uniform. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with clear growth ring boundaries and minimal figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light cream to yellowish-brown, with characteristic streaks of gray or green as seen here. Sapwood is pale off-white. It tends to darken or brown significantly with exposure 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
Furniture frames, cabinetry (paint-grade), interior trim, molding, plywood, and musical instruments (specifically organ pipes and guitar bodies).
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 surface texture and typical industrial surfacing marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and highly sustainable.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though it can be "fuzzy" when sanded or routed, requiring sharp blades.
Notable Features
Often called "Rainbow Poplar" when streaks are prominent; it has a faint, non-distinctive scent and is known as one of the most stable and utilitarian hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or solid stains due to its color variations. If clear-coated, a UV-inhibiting lacquer or polyurethane is recommended to slow browning.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive greenish-gray mineral streaks combined with the fine, diffuse-porous grain structure are diagnostic for Liriodendron tulipifera.