Tulipwood is a fast growing tree that can reach 36m in 50 years, with a diameter of 0.4m.

Tulipwood has a yellow-green to brown-green color and a fine, even texture. The closer the heartwood, the more green the veneer will have. The fine light pink/purple veins are typical of Tulipwood.
The sapwood is easy to distinguish because it is white in color. The sapwood is narrow in old trees, but very wide in planted trees. Tulip tree is soft, moderately firm and moderately strong.