: The reason that poplar isn't widely used in kayaks is that it has
: little-to-no rot resistance. This can be a major problem, especially if
: the boat is going to be used in fresh water. Other than that, it has good
: working qualities and reasonable weight.

Plus there is poplar and there is poplar. A whole family of trees of the "populus" family are termed poplars. Mostly grown at elevation in the poor soils of the mountain states.
Then there is "liriodendrum tulipfora" called variously "tulip tree", " tulip poplar, or "yellow poplar". Grows in the hardwood forests of the eastern US and is the poplar you normally get at the bigbox stores. A fast grower which produces a lot of long clear lumber. Mostly used for molded trim pieces or furniture that is painted. Not very rot resistant but you may get away with it if it is well varnished.