Common Names:   American tulipwood American whitewood Canary whitewood Canary wood Canoe wood Poplar Popple Saddletree Tulip poplar Tuliptree Tulipwood White poplar Whitewood Yellow poplar Purchase Poplar

Mechanical Values

Environmental Profile
This species is reported to be relatively abundant with little or no threat to its population within most of its natural growth range, but it is officially classified as Extinct in Vermont, and is reported to be Rare in Ontario, Canada. (Source - World Conservation Monitoring Center -1992 ). 

Although Yellow poplar may be quite rare in some parts of its range, especially at the periphery, it is reported to be rather widespread, abundant, and its population is relatively secure globally. (Source - The Nature Conservancy - Rank of relative endangerment based primarily on the number of occurrences of the species globally).

Distribution
Yellow poplar is reported to occur in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Ontario, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. It usually grows in pure stands and prefers moist, well-drained soils, especially in valleys and slopes. 

Product Sources
Some material from this species is reported to be available from sustainably managed or other environmentally responsible sources. 

Yellow poplar is reported to be readily available in lumber and veneer form, and is priced in the inexpensive range.

The following species in the database have been suggested as potential substitutes for Yellow poplar:
Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon )
Canelo (Nectandra sp. )

Planing properties of the following species in the database is reported to be similar to those of Yellow poplar:
Ekop (Tetraberlinia tubmaniana )

Tree Data
The tree is described as one of the tallest and most beautiful of eastern hardwoods. It usually has a long, straight stem, measuring about 80 to 120 feet (24 to 37 m) high, with a trunk diameter of 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm). 

Sapwood Color
The narrow sapwood (old-growth) is described as whitish or creamy, usually variegated or striped. 

Heartwood Color
The heartwood is described as pale-olive green to brown, or clear yellow to tan or greenish brown. It usually has blue-colored streaks or shades of purple, dark green, blue and black.

Light & Air-Induced Changes
The freshly cut wood is light yellow to brown, but it turns greenish upon exposure.

Grain
The wood is straight grained, occasionally with an attractive blister figure. 

Texture
Texture is typically fine and even.

Odor
There is no significant odor or taste.

Ease of Drying
The wood dries easily with minimum degrade.

Drying Defects
Defects such as mold and sapwood stains may develop if the wood is dried slowly. Moderate kiln schedules are recommended. Wetwood may contribute to honeycomb and water pockets (rare).

Kiln Schedules
T11 - D4 (4/4); T10 - D3 (8/4) US

Movement in Service
Seasoned wood is reported to be dimensionally stable, and hold its place well in use.

T/R Ratio
1.74
This indicator is more meaningful if it is used together with other drying information and actual shrinkage data in the tangential and radial directions. (Refer to the Numerical Values window).

Natural Durability
Yellow poplar has little or no natural resistance to attack by decay causing fungi and other wood destroying insects. The sapwood is susceptible to attack by the common furniture beetle.

Resistance to Impregnation
The heartwood is reported to be difficult to treat with preservatives. The sapwood is permeable.

Cutting Resistance
The wood has low cutting resistance.

Planing
Yellow poplar is reported to respond well to most tools, and is rather easy to work. (Percent of planed pieces without any defects = 70). 

Turning
The wood is reported to turn easily. (Number of fair to excellent pieces out of one hundred = 81).

Boring
The wood is reported to respond readily to boring. (Percent of pieces producing good to excellent boring results = 87).

Moulding
Yellow poplar is reported to have exceptionally poor moulding characteristics. (Number of good to excellent moulded pieces out of one hundred = 13).

Mortising
Mortising characteristics are rated as good. (Percent of mortised pieces with fair to excellent results = 63).

Carving
Yellow poplar has been decribed as a fine carving wood.

Gluing
The material is reported to have excellent gluing properties.

Nailing
Nailing qualities are rated as good, but holding properties are reported to be less than adequate. (Number of pieces free from complete splits out of one hundred = 77).

Screwing
Screwing properties are rated as fair. (Percent of screwed pieces free from complete splits = 67).

Sanding
The wood is reported to possess very poor sanding properties. (Number of pieces with good to excellent sanded surfaces out of one hundred = 19).

Staining
Staining characteristics are reported to be good. Different colored streaks which are normally found in the heartwood may interfere with natural finishes. They do not, however, have any effect on the physical properties of the wood.

Varnishing
The material is reported to take varnish well.

Painting
The wood takes paint well.

Steam Bending
Steam bending characteristics are reported to be good. (Number of unbroken pieces out of one hundred = 58). 

Response to Hand Tools
The wood works well with hand tools.