Magnolia
Description
A large family of ornamental, evergreen trees of the genus Magnolia, such as Magnolia grandiflora, that is native to Central and North America. Magnolia trees are frequently used in cultivation for their magnificent early spring blooms. The trees produce a heavy, durable wood (often sold as yellow pine) that is used for boxes, furniture, and millwork. Additionally, the flowers are considered edible.
See also [Uemera Dye Archive (Mokuren)]
Synonyms and Related Terms
laurel; sweet bay; southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora); bull bay; Magnolien (Deut.); Magnolie (Dan.); Magnolia (Esp., Fr., It., Ned., Sven.); Magnólia (Port.)
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Medium tree growing to 25 m with pyramidal crown.
- Bark=brown with flat plates or scales.
- Leaves=oval (8-12 cm) and pinnately veined, waxy top surface.
- Fruit=aggregate of follicles turning red when mature in fall.
- Wood density = 35 pcf.
Additional Images
Silk dyed with Magnolia bark; Uemera Dye Archive
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Resources and Citations
- Hardwood Manufacturers Institute, Memphis, Tenn.: air-dry weight = 35 pcf
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "magnolia." 19 Oct. 2004 .
- Edward Reich, Carlton J. Siegler, Consumer Goods: How to Know and Use Them, American Book Company, New York City, 1937
- Virginia Tech Dendrology website at www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/main.htm (accessed Oct. 8, 2005)
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia (accessed Dec. 15, 2004)