Tulipwood

Introduction

Note: the recommended name for this timber in the UK is American yellow poplar. There are other, unrelated species which are also called tulipwood.

Environmental

Not listed in CITES. Believed available from well-managed sources. Check certification status with suppliers.

Distribution

Eastern USA and Canada.

The tree

A large tree attaining a height of 37m or more, and a diameter of 2m or more.

The timber

The sapwood is white, and in second-growth trees, very wide; the heartwood is variable in colour, ranging from olive green to yellow or brown, and may be streaked with steel-blue. The annual growth terminates in a white band of parenchyma giving a subdued figure to longitudinal surfaces. The wood is' straight-grained. fine-textured, fairly soft and light in weight about 510 kg/m³ when dried.

Drying

Dries easily and well, with little degrade.

Strength

Similar to idigbo (Terminalia ivorensis) in general strength properties.

Working qualities

Good - Easy to work, and finishes to a fine, smooth surface Takes nails without tending to split, glues well, can be stained polished or painted, and holds hard enamel finishes excellently.