Betula spp Magnolia spp. Some species separations are possible based on microanatomy. The sapwood of magnolia is creamy white, while the heartwood is light to dark brown, often with greenish to purple-black streaks or patches. The wood is even-textured and moderately heavy, fairly hard and straight grained.
Magnolia is moderately stiff, high in shock resistance, and low in shrinkage.
It has no characteristic odor or taste. Magnolia has average nail-holding ability, is readily worked, and glues, paints, and finishes well. No information available at this time. The complete trees of North America, field guide and natural history. Hausen, B.M. 1981.