The tree is hardy east of the Mississippi, except in the colder por- 

 tions of the Northern States; and, on suitable soils, may be planted 

 throughout its range. 



HABITS AND GROWTH. 



Yellow poplar is very exacting in soil and moisture requirements. 

 It demands deep, fertile, well-drained soil and a constant and even 

 supply of soil moisture. The tree grows best on moist loam or rich 

 sandy soil in which is mixed a considerable quantity of humus. It 

 does not thrive on heavy clay or dry ridge soils, and can not grow in 

 standing water. In its early life it requires a fresh, porous, upper 

 soil. The largest specimens are found in protected coves along 

 water courses and on the northern and eastern slopes of ravines and 

 valleys. 



The tree is very intolerant and prunes itself well with even 

 moderate side shade. While the seedlings can endure considerable 

 shade, the trees demands more light as they grow older, and at 

 maturity are nearly always taller than their associates, with their 

 crowns fully exposed. 



In early life the growth is principally in height, and the develop- 

 ment of one continuous main stem is characteristic throughout. The 

 growth is rapid and the tree often lives more than three hundred 

 years ; during the first forty or fifty years the height growth is from 

 1 to 2 feet annually, and the average diameter growth from one- 

 tenth to one- fourth inch. After fifty years the rate of growth 

 gradually decreases. 



Yellow poplar is very susceptible to injury by fire. Old trees are 

 often hollow-butted as the result of repeated burning about the base. 

 Near the western limits of its range the tree is sometimes injured by 

 sun scald. 



Injuries by insects should be reported to the Bureau of Entomology. 

 United States Department of Agriculture. 



ECONOMIC USES. 



The wood is usually light, but varies in weight; it is soft, tough, 

 but not strong, and of fine texture. It is fairly durable when exposed 

 to the weather or in contact with the ground. It shrinks slightly and 

 seasons without injury, and works and stands exceedingly well. The 

 sapwood is thin, light in color, and decays rapidly. The wdod is used 

 for siding, paneling, and interior finishing, and in the manufacture of 

 toys, boxes, culinary woodenware, wagon boxes, carriage bodies, slack 

 staves and heading, and backing for veneer. It is in great demand 

 throughout the vehicle and implement trade, and also makes a fair 

 grade of wood pulp. 



[Cir. 93] 



