I have alot of tulip poplar near my hives and it seems the bees hardly work it at all. There is alot of other things for them to forage, but I have always heard that tulip poplar was such a good source of nectar.
David
It is one of the best, but if something else was blooming first, the bees will work it until it quits before changing sources.
Most of the poplar flowers are very high in the trees. Also I have heard that 1 bee can fill up completely from 1 blossom. I bet they are hitting them.
Tulip poplars are blooming like crazy this year! I haven't noticed many bees working them either. Probably for the reasons that Iddee stated. But the tree produces a lot of nectar! Just park your vehicle under one and let it drip onto the hood. You'll be surprised how much "syrup" lands on your car!
The good thing is that it washes right off with plain water!