They grow throughout the eastern part of the country and a few species are found in scattered hardwood stands on the West Coast. An important feature enhancing the quality of Appalachian oak is that fewer sub-species reach the commercial market. This is of particular advantage to furniture manufacturers, architectural woodworkers and flooring manufacturers, in that they are assured of uniform quality. Dark brown to black, deeply fissured in vertical lines, occasional cross breaks. Same as white oak except not ships, tight cooperage.
Yellow poplar represents a significant percentage of the growth and production in the region.
It is a prolific seeder and often occurs in pure stands. It grows throughout the East from southern New England to the Gulf of Mexico and westward to the Mississippi River and to an elevation of about 3,500 feet in the mountains. It makes its best growth both from a quality and size standpoint in coves. Simple, palmately, 3-lobed with the upper lobe more or less flat. The bud is distinctive in that it looks somewhat like a duck bill.