Liriodendron tulipifera
Family: Magnoliaceae
Commercial names: Poplar, Canary Wood, Canary Whitewood, Yellow Poplar, Hickory Poplar, Tulip Poplar, Saddletree, Popple, Tulipwood (USA); Tulip Tree (USA, Canada and UK); American Whitewood (UK).

Distribution: Eastern USA and Canada and introduced into Europe.

General Description: In second growth trees the sapwood is very wide, whitish in colour and streaked. It is sharply defined from the heartwood which varies from pale yellowish-brown to pale olive brown streaked with olive green, dark grey or pinkish-brown, and when mineral stained, streaks of steel blue. Uniform, straight grain; regular, fine texture. Weight 510 kg/m3 (31 lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.51.

Mechanical Properties: This medium density wood has low bending and resistance to shock loads, low stiffness and medium crushing strength. It also has a medium steam bending classification.

Working Properties: It is easy to work with both hand and machine tools and can be planed to a very smooth finish. Nailed, screwed and glued joints hold perfectly, and it can be stained, polished or painted and holds hard enamels.

Durability: Non-durable, the sapwood is prone to attack by the common furniture beetle. It is moderately resistant to preservation treatment and the sapwood is permeable.

Uses: Pattern making, carving, cabinet making, interior fittings, interior joinery, light construction work, interior trim for boats, toys and doors. When treated with preservatives it is used for external joinery and work not in contact with the ground.