Romantic magnolia has practical side

Iiiiore

THAN 70 species of lJ I Ma gno Iia ar e found in eastern Asia, Central America and the United States, but only the two species found in our Southeastern states are important commercially as timber.

Magnolia macrophylla, or bigleaf magnolia, is a rare tree with no commercial importance. It has exceptionally large leaves, usually 20 to 30 inches long and 9 to l0 inches wide. The natural range for this tree runs from the base of the Southern Allegheny Mountains to central Florida, westward through the Gulf states to central Arkansas. It grows in sheltered valleys and requires rich soil, moisture and partial sunshine. There have been reports of trees as tall as 40 feet with sweet smelling white flowers larger than dinner plates.

Magnolia acuminata, better known as the cucumber tree, is a large timber tree found sometimes in the North Appalachian region and frequently in the narrow valleys at the base of high mountains in the Carolinas and Tennessee. It is unlike the other magnolias in that it has thin leaves which turn yellow and drop when cold weather approaches. Because the wood is similar to yellow poplar, it often goes to market with it instead of as cucumber.

Magnolia grandiflora, usually called Southern magnolia, is the largest broadleaf evergreen tree found in the Northern Hemisphere. Magnolia virginiana, which is smaller, is commonly called sweet bay or swamp magnolia. Both are cut and sold as magnolia timber.

Southern magnolia has thick, tough leaves which are shiny and leathery. They remain on the tree for over two years before falling. The spicy scented flowers are cup-shaped with purple centers and measure about eight inches in diameter. This tree grows tall and straight, 60 to 80 feet high, often with no branches for almost half of its height. Trees have been found as tall as 100 feet with a girth of over 12 feet at the base.

Swamp magnolia often is found farther north along the Atlantic coast. Although it is evergreen in the South, it tends to grow smaller and shed its leaves in winter in the colder Northern climates. In Florida it develops well to a size only slightly smaller than the Southern magnolia.

Story at a Glance

The flowers, which are smaller, are creamy with a pleasing fragrance. This tree is readily identified by the bright silvery-white underside of its leaves.

Total annual production of magnolia is estimated to be 25 million board feet by the Southern Hardwood Lumber Manufacturers Association in Memphis, Tn. This figure is difficult to determine since most lumber companies in the Gulf Coast area produce a small quantity. Because it reproduces well naturally, grows fairly rapidly and has an extensive range, the magnolia supply remains fairly constant.

Most magnolia goes to furniture manufacturers although it is excellent for cabinet work, doors, store fixtures and paneling. The common grades are used in frames for upholstered pieces while the top grades are found in tables and dining room and bedroom suites.

The wood is moderately hard, fine-textured, straight grained and easy to work. Although it looks like yellow poplar, it is as hard as American walnut. The heartwood ranges from light to dark yellowish brown with a greenish or purplish tinge. Sapwood varies from acreamy white to very pale yellow. Sometimes the heartwood has black, dark brown, or rainbow colored streaks, but on the whole the wood is considered plain and featureless.

Wire Ad Money

For a free copy of the 1983 co-op allowance, complete with ad slicks and radio copy, write Janice N. Lee, Phifer Wire Products, Inc., P.O. Box 17fi), Tuscaloosa, Al. 35,103.

Oft the WallCodes

A free copy of the National Electrical Code wall chart is available from Halo Lighting, 400 Busse Rd., Elk Grove Village, I1.60007.

Fold the Door!

A 4+olor catalog on Spacesaver wood folding doors and partitions is free from Wood Specialty Products, 2300 West 60th St., Mountlake Terrace, Wa. 98043.

Heat Control

A free publication on non-electric thermostatic heating controls and accessories for solid fuel boilers is available by requesting bulletin SFHC982 from Ammark Corp., 12-22 River Road, Fair Lawn, N.J.07410.

Hit the Showers!

A free color brochure on towel warmers is from Myson, Inc., P.O. Box 5025, Embrey Industrial Park, Falmouth, Ya.22403.

Lattice Work Together

For the 32-p. booklet, "How To Work With Lattice." send 750 to the Wood Moulding and Millwork Producers Association, Dept. HP, P.O. Box 25378, Portland, Or.97225.

Pipe Dreams

A revised edition of the 48-p. "Handbook of Steel Pipe" is free from the Committee of Steel Pipe Producers, American Iron and Steel Institute, 1000 l6th St., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20036.

Solar Heat Sale

How to Reduce Your Heat Bills, $9 plus $l postage and handling, or the Texxor Heat Cell demonstration kit with book, temperature indicator and instructions, $18 plus $2 postage and handling, from Texxor Corp., 9910 N. 48th St., Omaha, Ne.68152.

Waterproof Stain

A free brochure on waterproofing stains for wood or masonry is from Chemstop Mfg. & Sales Corp .,1222 Ardmore Ave., Itasca, Il. 60143.

Aluminum Windows

" The Insulated Si ngle- Hung Window," a free brochure that describes more than 8fi) aluminum windows for new construction and rehabilitation projects, is free from Capitol Windows, I176 I l3th Street, Grand Prairie, Tx. 75050.

Woodworking Tools

The Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers of America have a 28G.p. buyer's guide and directory free. Write to 1900 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.

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Trendy Future

Future Trends, a report on the wholesale distribution industry by DREF, is $25 for members, $37.50 for members of DREF Assns., and l09o less for three or more copies from the National Association of WholesalerDistributors, Department FT, 1725 K St., N.W., Washington D.C., 2(n06.

Solid Wood Paneling

A free color brochure for the do-ityourselfer on how to install solid wood interior paneling is from P & M Cedar Products, P.O. Box 7349, Stockton, Ca.95N7.

Free Filler

A sample of Flo-Joint, a sealant for concrete and asphalt, and a maintenance catalog are free from Randustrial Corp., l33l l-NR Union Ave., Cleveland, oh.4t20.

Tax Credit Doors

Information on the Simpson WeatherBeater doors, which are certified for the Residential Energy Tax Credit, is available free from Simpson Timber Company, Development Center, P.O. Box 566, Redmond, Wa. 98052.

The Cedar Look

A free 4-p. booklet on non-residential cedar uses is available from the Western Red Cedar Lumber Assn., Dept. 666, Yeon Building, Portland, Or.972M.

Bathroom Fixtures

A full color, 32-p. catalog ofbathroom hardware and fixtures is free from Tubular Specialties Mfg., Inc., l30ll S. Spring St., Los Angeles, Ca. 90061.

Shingle and Shake Like Kate

Eight-foot Western red cedar shake and shingle panels are presented in a free l2-p. brochure from Shakertown Corp., P.O. Box 40), Winlock, Wa. 98596.

Metric Shlngles

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Buildings Available

An illustrated brochure on preengineered buildings is free from Jim Watkins, Butler Mfg. Co., Buildings Div., P.O. Box 917, Kansas City, Mo. 64141.

Hardwood Flooring Standards

Copies of the new American National Standard for Laminated Hardwood Flooring are $1.25 each from Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Assn., P.O. Box 2789, Reston, Ya.2?IX).