Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable; low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in exterior conditions.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain; predominantly flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns; minimal figure present in this utility grade sample.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to pale yellowish sapwood with a characteristic greyish-green or olive-colored heartwood streak visible; tends to darken to a brown/yellow hue upon UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in exterior conditions.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot (Retail)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled secondary growth; roughly 0-2 years since harvest based on lack of heavy oxidation and clean rough-sawn surfaces.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); highly sustainable and widely available; not listed on CITES appendices.
Common Uses
Light construction, furniture framing, cabinetry interiors, paint-grade trim/molding, pallets, crates, and plywood cores.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; exceptionally easy to plane, sand, and glue, though can be fuzzy if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or solid stains due to greenish heartwood; takes primer and paint exceptionally well; clear coats are possible but colors may appear muddy over time.
Notable Features
Often multi-colored with green/purple streaks; very faint cucumber-like scent when freshly cut; one of the tallest and straightest growing hardwoods in North America.