The sap of Tulipwood is creamy white and may be streaked with the heartwood varying from pale yellowish brown to olive green. The green colour in the heartwood will tend to darken on exposure to light and turn brown. The wood has a medium to fine texture and is straight grained. The size of the sapwood and some physical characteristics will vary according to growing regions. The wood has many desirable characteristics and is suitable for a wide variety of important uses. The tulipwood tree ressembles the shape of the European poplar, hence its name, "Yellow Poplar" in the USA.

A versatile timber that is easy to machine, plane, turn, glue and bore. It dries easily with minimal movement in performance and has little tendancy to split when nailed. It takes and holds paint, enamel and stain exceptionally well.

Tulipwood can be used in light construction, furniture and panels, and is particularly good for mouldings.