Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a uniform pattern; flat-sawn appearance showing subtle رشد rings and minimal figure.
Color Description
Light cream to yellowish-brown heartwood with some grayish-green or dark blue/black mineral streaks (visible in the upper right). Sapwood is creamy white.
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, cabinetry, molding, pallets, crates, and plywood cores.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; less than 1 year old based on bright color and fuzzy surface fibers.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed; commonly FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; however, the soft texture can lead to 'fuzzy' surfaces if tools are not extremely sharp, as seen in the sample texture.
Notable Features
Often contains characteristic green or purple streaks; very lightweight for a hardwood; faint cucumber-like scent when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paint very well; staining can be blotchy, so a gel stain or wood conditioner is recommended. Clear coats work well but may highlight the green tints.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the pale cream color, the fuzzy surface typical of soft hardwoods, and the specific dark gray/green mineral staining is diagnostic of Liriodendron tulipifera.