Poplar, Aspen, and Cottonwood in the Rough

Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is botanically unrelated to true poplars (Populus spp.) but is commercially grouped with them in trade. It is a high-value Appalachian hardwood used in furniture, cabinetry, and millwork, commanding different pricing than aspen or cottonwood. Separate tariff lines allow CBP and trade analysts to track this commercially distinct species independently.

The Lacey Act requires a species-level declaration for all wood imports, so the commercial invoice and PPQ 505 form should specify the scientific name (e.g., Populus tremuloides for quaking aspen, Populus deltoides for cottonwood). Physical form — short billets for pulpwood versus longer round pieces for poles — also supports classification. When species are mixed in a single load, each component should be declared separately.