Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, uniform, and fine-textured. The sample shows a flat-sawn or rift-sawn orientation with a tight, consistent grain and no significant figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is light cream to yellowish-brown, with characteristic grey/olive-green streaks visible in this sample. Sapwood is pale yellow to white. It darkens significantly upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or used outdoors.
Common Uses
Furniture frames, cabinetry, interior trim, molding, plywood, pallets, and painted furniture.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to modern age (less than 1 year). The wood shows minimal oxidation and retains the bright, pale tones characteristic of new stock.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though it can be somewhat fuzzy when sanding and is known for being difficult to stain evenly without a sealer.
Notable Features
Faint cucumber-like scent when freshly cut. Low density and relatively lightweight. Often displays grey, green, or purple mineral streaks.
Finish Recommendations
Priming and painting is common; if clear-coating, use polyurethane or lacquer. A sanding sealer is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the pale cream base color with distinct olive-grey mineral streaks and the straight, diffuse-porous grain structure is diagnostic for Tuliptree.