Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn grain with a fine, uniform texture. Some minor cathedral patterns are visible near knots and figure streaks.
Color Description
Creamy white to yellowish sapwood; heartwood is typically light olive green with streaks of dark purple, gray, or brown. It darkens from green to brown upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; heartwood has low resistance to decay and is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Cabinetry framing, furniture frames, interior trim, pallets, crates, plywood, and paint-grade millwork.
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 material, likely less than 1-2 years old based on the bright color of the sapwood and limited oxidation of the mineral streaks.
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 is very easy to plane and sand, though it can be slightly 'fuzzy' if tools are not sharp. Glues and finishes well, particularly with paint.
Notable Features
Virtually odorless; relatively light weight for a hardwood. Known for its characteristic green hue in the heartwood and ability to take paint better than almost any other wood.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or solid stains. If clear coating, a UV-inhibiting lacquer or polyurethane is recommended to slow the transition of green heartwood to brown.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive olive-green color with dark mineral streaks and creamy sapwood is a primary diagnostic feature of Liriodendron tulipifera.