Heidler Hardwood Lumber

Specie Information

Liriodendron tulipifera

Yellow poplar trees grow taller than any other U.S. hardwood species and they are members of the magnolia family. The bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and roots contain pharmaceuticals. The tree rarely is attacked by parasites. Poplar is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread throughout Eastern U.S.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The sapwood is creamy white and may be streaked, with the heartwood varying from pale yellowish brown to olive green. The green color in the heartwood will tend to darken on exposure to light and turn brown. The wood has a medium to fine texture and is straight-grained. Has a comparatively uniform texture.
WORKING PROPERTIES
A versatile wood that is easy to machine, plane, turn, glue and bore. It dries easily with minimal movement in performance and has little tendency to split when nailed. It takes and holds paint, enamel and stain exceptionally well.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
A medium density wood with low bending, shock resistance, stiffness and compression values, with a medium steam-bending classification. Excellent strength and stability.
AVAILABILITY
Very widely available.
MAIN USES
Light construction, furniture, kitchen cabinets, doors, musical instruments, exterior trim and siding, paneling, mouldings and millwork, edge-glued panels, turnings and carvings.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE
11.2 percent of total U.S. hardwoods commercially available.