Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight-grained with a fine, even texture. The image shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with some minor wavy characteristic in the growth rings.
Color Description
Sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow; heartwood is typically light olive green to brown. The sample shows the characteristic greenish-grey heartwood hues. Color tends to darken to a deeper brown upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if used in exterior conditions without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture frames, cabinetry (interior components), molding, trim, plywood, pallets, and musical instrument components (organ pipes).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Appalachian region and Eastern United States).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 to $4.50 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh cut (~1-5 years) based on the lack of significant oxidation of the green heartwood pigments and fresh surface texture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common; highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and sands very well. However, it is very soft and can easily be dented or crushed if not handled carefully.
Notable Features
Often displays green, purple, or black streaks in the heartwood (mineral stain). Faint, nondescript scent. Known for being the tallest hardwood tree in North America.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paint and glue exceptionally well. For clear finishes, a sealer is recommended as it is quite porous. Gel stains are preferred to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the olive-tinted heartwood transition and the specific fine-vessel texture are definitive indicators for Liriodendron tulipifera.