Tulip tree

Origin: North America and Atlantic coast.

Latin name.
Liriodendron tulipifera L.

Natural vegetation area.
Central eastern area of the United States, from the Great Lakes and the Mississipi Basin to the Atlantic coast, excluding Florida

TRUNK CHARACTERISTICS.
The tree has a good size and can reach the height of 32-35 metres, with diameter at breast height of 60-70 cm. The trunk is straight and regular, without branches for almost the entire height.

WOOD APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS.
The whitish sapwood is sometimes varied and is clearly separated from the heartwood which is dark and greenish brown with yellowish, crimson, blackish and bluish shades.

Specific weight.
In the fresh condition 680 kg/m³ on average; after normal seasoning 460 kg/m³

Histological structure.
Medium texture; generally straight grain.

Mechanical characteristics.
Axial compression strength 37 N/mm² on average; bending strength 70 N/mm²; medium hardness; the impact behaviour is low.

Modulus of elasticity.
10.000 N/mm²

Most frequent structural defects and alteration.
With the tree still standing, chromogenic fungi spots can be noticed. Their spores penetrated through cuts in the cortex which can easily occur. The possible strong variation of the natural colour shall be taken into account.

Durability.
Poor for the sapwood; moderate for the heartwood.

Texts taken from: “Manuale tecnico del legno”, FNALA CNA LEGNO LEGNO, by Prof. Ing. Guglielmo Giordano.

Species available for the following products: