Distribution: Yellow
poplar is reported to occur in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut,
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Ontario, Indiana, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National
Park, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,
Vermont, and West Virginia. It usually grows in pure stands
and prefers moist, well-drained soils, especially in valleys
and slopes
General Characteristics: The
tree is described as one of the tallest and most beautiful
of eastern hardwoods. It usually has a long, straight stem,
measuring about 80 to 120 feet (24 to 37 m) high, with
a trunk diameter of 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm). The
heartwood is described as pale-olive green to brown, or
clear yellow to tan or greenish brown. It usually has blue-colored
streaks or shades of purple, dark green, blue and black.
The narrow sapwood (old-growth) is described as whitish
or creamy, usually variegated or striped. Texture is typically
fine and even; the wood is straight grained, occasionally
with an attractive blister figure. There is no significant
odor or taste.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.42; air-dry density 30
pcf.
Working Properties: The
wood has low cutting resistance. Yellow poplar is reported
to respond well to most tools, and is rather easy to work.
The wood is reported to turn easily. The wood is reported
to respond readily to boring. Yellow poplar is reported
to have exceptionally poor moulding
characteristics. Mortising characteristics are rated as
good. Yellow poplar has been described as a fine carving
wood. The material is reported to have excellent gluing
properties. Nailing qualities are rated as good, but holding
properties are reported to be less than adequate. Screwing
properties are rated as fair. The wood is reported to possess
very poor sanding properties. Staining characteristics
are reported to be good. Different colored streaks which
are normally found in the heartwood may interfere with
natural finishes. They do not, however, have any effect
on the physical properties of the wood. The material is
reported to take varnish well. The wood takes paint well.
Steam bending characteristics are reported to be good.
Durability: The Yellow poplar
has little or no natural resistance to attack by decay
causing fungi and other wood destroying insects. The sapwood
is susceptible to attack by the common furniture beetle.
Preservation: The heartwood
is reported to be difficult to treat with preservatives.
The sapwood is permeable.
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