Tulipwood, American

American tulipwood is not only one of the largest trees in the forests of the eastern USA, it is also one of the most plentiful, representing about 9% of the country's standing hardwood resource. This has ensured that it is widely available and its size means that it can produce timber that is both very wide and very long. The tree is similar in shape to the European poplar, which is why it is called the yellow or tulip poplar in the USA, however it is not related. The growing region of the tree is extensive, stretching as far south as Florida and north to the southern parts of New England.

Sapwood of the American tulipwood is creamy white an can be streaked; heartwood varies from a pale yellow-brown to an olive green, which darkens to brown on exposure to UV light. The texture of the tulipwood is medium to fine and it is straight grained. Burls and swirls can occur in the grain and are not considered defects. Size and characteristics can vary dependent on the region in which it grows.

American tulipwood is an extremely versatile timber of moderate density. It has low values for shock resistance, bending, stiffness and compression. It is classified as 'medium' for steam bending. It has a good strength to weight ratio, making it an ideal wood for laminated beams and structures. However, it has not yet been tested in Australia for structural applications.

Tulipwood is easy to work, as it machines, planes, turns and bores well. It has high dimensional stability and rarely splits when nailed. It takes and holds paint, stains and enamel and can attain an excellent finish.

American tulipwood is ideal for a range of interior applications, such as furniture, joinery, cabinets, doors, panelling and mouldings. In the US it is used in the production of plywood. It is also an excellent timber for turning and carving.

Exported widely around the world, American tulipwood is a popular choice for architects and designers as a result of its unusual colour range.