[jerrymayfield]

Birch is one of the woods used to look like cherry,I have never tried to mimic birch. If you can get some white poplar without the mineral streaks,it wouldn't be difficult to dye it with an amber color to look like the color of birch but the grain pattern is something else.I believe you would be farther ahead to use birch.

Regards
Jerry

 

[jerrymayfield]

The greenish streaks often found in poplar will turn to brown in time,which will add to the proplem.

Regards
Jerry

 

[jerrymayfield]

Poplar is used a lot as secondary wood and also for projects that are painted. If I use poplar that needs to be colored I prefer a dye stain; If you insist on a pigment stain apply a spit coat of shellac first. I have used poplar with a nice grain pattern,when you can find it, as a substitute for cherry. You are fortunate to have a source for cheap wood of any kind.
Regards
Jerry