Cherry blossoms are such a signifier of early spring, but there is another flower that blooms almost simultaneously, at least here in The Netherlands. The magnolia trees here dominate most suburban streets.
Magnolias are considered an ancient flower, with the oldest known magnolia flowering around 140 million years ago. Due to their resilience over time and through harsh winters, they are often associated with perseverance and devotion. Their timely blooms (some of the first spring flowers), also link them with fertility, beauty, rebirth. Honestly, through my research for this newsletter I found magnolias to be symbols of almost every positive aspect of humanity (except here): luck, prosperity, wisdom, marriage, you name it. I think it mainly stems from the fact that they are one of the first flowers we see in spring, therefore our souls are revived by them and whatever positivity you feel in that moment - you thank the magnolia for.
These are what I see growing most often in the Amsterdam/Amstelveen area, message me with the varieties most common in your part of the world <3 and if you’ve ever seen a black tulip magnolia send over a photo! I love those guys.
Star Magnolia:
The Star magnolia is an early blooming magnolia that is native to Japan, but these pop up frequently here like beautifully perfumed clouds in gardens and parks. The star magnolia flowers started growing, at least this year, a solid week before any cherry blossoms began. Their scent wafts over the parks, quiet streets, signalling that although it’s still pretty damn grey at least there are signs of spring. If you suffer from SAD, I’d recommend befriending a star magnolia to pull you out of the winter haze.
Saucer Magnolia:
The most common and magnificent, this flower opens and grows until it’s too big for the seed pod. Showy, plentiful and with many many different varieties, the soft pink saucer is the easiest go to if you are first foraying into the magnolia queendom. We will be planting a magnolia in our front yard this year (doe normaal, apparently) and I think this will be what we go with.
In my own neighbourhood, the pink saucer rules the landscape. But there is a stunning white tree that leans into a busy street, almost tinted yellow in certain sunlight.
Also under Saucers….Tulip Magnolia (I think Betty):
Developed by a geneticist and horticulturist within the U.S. National Arboretum in mid-20th century, the Betty is one of 8 smaller shrubbier magnolias curated specifically to flower late spring, preventing any inhibiting spring frost. The slowest bloomer, this magnolia is a vibrant contrast to the mainly still brown spring gardens and takes up minimal space. If you crave drama but are limited with your garden size, pick up one of these babies.
I am a bit iffy about harvesting any magnolia where we live, due to our proximity to the airport and the known issues with soil health around here. But if you live in a cleaner environment and have magnolias growing around you feel free to try these out:
In traditional Chinese Medicine, Magnolia bark and roots are used for easing stomach pain, anxiety/sleep issues and can aid with depression.
In autumn, you can harvest magnolia cones (seed pods). They are traditionally used in magic to attract strength, promote growth, and encourage fertility and prosperity. The cones are filled with vibrant red seeds. One study indicated that the Southern Magnolia seeds contain honokiol - which can decrease tumor cell survival and could be “considered as an adjunct to active immunotherapy”.
Thank you so much for being here <3
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