Hi folks, this is my first post but I have been a long time lurker and have found you all to be a wealth of information. This will be my second year heating with wood and really my first year actively scrounging. I was given wood from Irene that I initially thought could have been ash, however I think it may be tulip poplar from all of the discussions. My question is, does either have a darker heartwood? The rounds that I have are all in the 16 to 20 inch range and there is probably a 10 inch center that is much darker than the rest of the wood. I know pictures would help I just didn't take any before I split the rounds. I may be getting a few more pieces from that same tree and I will post pictures.