Butler County chose this bluff and the surrounding area as the county seat in 1849 and named it Poplar Bluff. The name was associated with the tulip poplars growing on the natural bluff, and according to legend, early travelers on the Black River called it the poplar bluff. The tree, also called yellow poplar, is native to this area, is one of Missouri's most valuable trees, and though known as a poplar, it is a member of the magnolia family. Early in May it is covered with yellow tulip-shaped flowers with touches of orange and light green.