: Close John, the wood is poplar, or as the locals call it "pop'l."
: the genus has the "u" (populus). These are fast growing
: hardwoods of the willow family which includes aspens and cottonwoods. In
: my area they and the white birch are the pioneer trees. In forty years
: they can reach a height of sixty feet and a girth of 30-36 inches. As they
: reach this age they face increasing competition from the other species
: their shade has protected. In an effort to get enough sun they get top
: heavy and snap off at the crown or wind throw.

: In my woods I harvest them at this point. I often get 10-20' straight boles
: which produce a good percentage of clear wood. I've got about 3000 bdft.
: in downed trees to get out and mill before the ground thaws. The wood
: dries light weight and easy to work. As you indicate it can have a
: greenish tinge, but is mainly white with out much grain. Once seasoned
: it's considered pretty stable and was often used for the hidden parts of
: case goods and as core for veneer. It takes a stain or paint finish and
: glues well. Because the price is right I often use it any place I would
: use white pine. It has about the same rot resistance as the pine, which is
: to say low.

: I'm considering building a stripper with it because of its availability,
: weight and workability. I'm playing with ideas involving aniline stains
: and inlays.

: There are a lot of these independent mills off the beaten track. I went by
: one in Tannersville, NY, Wednesday. Gotta get back an check out their
: stock.

Hi Geo.,

My fault, Poplar, bad habits are hard to break. I live in a woods with lots of Poplars,(Tulip Trees), Indiana's state tree. Sometimes called Indiana's Red Woods because of the size they grow. I have one about 4'across in the woods and I planted 2 dozen around my pond area. I think the green color contrast of the Poplar with the Basswood might look good.
Take care,
John