Explore the Legacy and Versatility of Tulipwood Poplar

As the proudest member of the Magnolia family, Poplar is the tallest hardwood species in North America.  A so-called “pioneer Specie” because it is often one of the first trees to grow in open areas like abandoned fields or clearcut land, Tulipwood Poplar is named for its beautiful and bountiful tulip-shaped flowers (their leaves resemble a tulip bloom). Growing up to 200 feet tall, Poplar was commonly used by indigenous Americans to build canoes; Daniel Boone built a canoe of Tulip Poplar 60’ long to ferry his family out of Kentucky. Thomas Jefferson so prized the Tulip tree he planted at Monticello in 1807 that he sent seeds to friends back in France. Though a hardwood, Poplar is softer than some North American softwoods and is also one of the forest’s lightest varieties. Whether for rafts or canoes, paneling or insulation, boxes or mouldings, Poplar is an incredibly versatile Specie. 

Alternate names

Tulipwood, Yellow, or White Poplar; Canoewood

Range

Massachusetts to Florida, west to Southern Illinois and Eastern Arkansas

Latin Name

Liriodendron tulipifera

Educational Source

We’d like to credit the book, " A Natural History of Trees of Eastern and Central North America," in helping us craft these Specie profiles