A deciduous hardwood. Other common names are yellow poplar and tulip poplar. The 1992 National Register of Big Trees identifies today's largest yellow poplar. It is found in Bedford, Virginia and is 146 feet tall with a canopy of 125 feet spread and a trunk circumference of 374 inches.
Poplars grow from southern New England southward to Florida and westward to Missouri.
It is the state tree of Indiana and Kentucky. The yellow poplar grows quickly into a tall straight tree. It is found alone in open, rich, moist soil. Because of its fast maturity the lumber from poplar is lightweight and soft for a hardwood. But it is strong, durable and seasons well resisting warpage once it is dried.