Trade Names
Tuliptree, Tulipwood, American Whitewood, Yellow Poplar
Similar woods
Anegre
Origin
USA
Range
Southeast region of the USA, planted and cultivated in other countries.
Uses
Sliced and peeled veneer, used almost exclusively for interior surfaces. In Southern Europe also used to some extent as veneer for lower priced, mass-produced furniture.
Properties
The heartwood varies from light yellow to reddish brown and darkens very quickly in the air. Tuliptree is a light-weight, soft wood and very liable to insect attack. The bark is used for medical purposes.
Machining
Tuliptree can be machined well and easily with all tools. Planed surfaces have a mat gloss finish. Well-sharpened tools prevent the surface from becoming slightly woolly.
Seasoning
Drying is easy and quick without any risk of checking and warping. As a general rule no inner tension develops.
Finishing
Tuliptree can be treated with all the usual surface finishes without any problems. Mat gloss varnishes are best to high-light the wood character.
Jointing
Glue provides good adhesion. Screws and nails achieve normal tightening torques.