Plant Of The Week: Lily Magnolia
Kai Goldstein | March 25, 2025
Lily Magnolia || Magnolia liliiflora
This ancient flower fills the air with bliss on our walks to class each morning. The sun bounces off and through its grandeur pink and white blossoms. Records suggest that Magnolias evolved before bees, being primarily beetle-pollinated in their origins. Several species provide pollen for insects in the early spring. They demonstrate inspiring adaptability, thriving in various environments, including right outside of Sunderland. This variety is likely a Saucer Magnolia, a common ornamental hybrid whose native roots are in Asia. There are many varieties of these aromatic and captivating flowering trees, some very difficult to distinguish from others. In the case of the Saucer Magnolia, the young buds and petals are edible and have a ginger-resembling flavor before they turn bitter; however, I do caution against eating from those that you do not have a positive species identification for, as some flowers are not as palatable. Remember also the value of reciprocity, and try to take as little as possible when harvesting from any plant, especially one that many people pass each day. And if you have not yet, I strongly encourage getting a big whiff of one of their magical flowers.
