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 evergreen leaves and 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
- Wide sapwood is creamy white to grayish; narrow heartwood is medium to dark brown
- Grain is straight; texture is a uniform fine to medium
- Susceptible to insects and decay
Additional Images
Silk dyed with Magnolia bark; Uemera Dye Archive
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Working Properties
- Easy to work with both hand and machine tools.
- Turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.
Resources and Citations
- The Wood Database: Southern magnolia
- 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: Magnolia (accessed Dec. 15, 2004 and October 2024)