Tulip Poplar Isn’t a True Poplar

Tulip Poplar is Liriodendron tulipifera, a member of the magnolia family. True poplars belong to the genus Populus in the willow family—an entirely different botanical lineage.

Surprising takeaway: A Tulip or Rainbow Poplar blank is botanically closer to Magnolia than to Aspen, Cottonwood or other true poplars. Its name instead reflects the tree’s distinctive tulip-shaped flowers.