The Magnolia Flower Has Been Associated With Beauty And Perseverance

The magnolia flower has been associated with beauty and perseverance, as well as dignity and nobility. The symbolic meaning of flower species has been passed down from generation to generation and arose from fables and legends connected to the flower. Unfortunately many of the origins of these meanings have been lost over time and such is the case with the magnolia. The magnolia has also been said to symbolize sweetness and a love for nature.

Typically grown as an ornamental tree because of the attractiveness of the foliage, flowers, fruits and bark, sweetbay magnolia adds a natural beauty to the surroundings. This semi-evergreen is native to the United States and grows best in partly shaded areas with moist and acidic soil. Caring for a sweetbay magnolia tree calls for annual pruning after the flowers have faded in the summer, since the buds emerge on growth that occurred last season. Does this Spark an idea?

Magnolia flower The Magnolia grandiflora flower starts out as a small bud at the tip of a branch, which often becomes a meal for squirrels, who love the taste of them. It is enveloped in a brownish sheath which will fall away and reveal a blossom with as many as 14 petals. The magnolia petals will open in layers, shaped like a cup, and they are white with a yellow stamen in the center. As they age they slowly turn brown before falling away.

Despite the fact that today these blooms have become very popular all over the world, the magnolia tree flower is one of the few plants that actually originated in the United States. Their roots also extend to parts of Asia; however, their earliest distribution to other parts of the world – such as Europe – began in America. In 1688 the first live magnolia was introduced to Britain by the clergyman John Banister – who was an avid student of botany. By 1737, the growth of magnolia grandiflora was in full swing, and the well known botanical artist Georg Ehret became a magnolia enthusiast – walking three miles every morning just to study the buds blooming. As well as having a long and interesting history, the magnolia tree flower is also said to be very useful. The bark of the tree is most commonly used – generally for curing skin conditions, but also for heart and respiration ailments – however, the flowers themselves are frequently used as a rejuvenating essential oil for baths, soaps and candles; they may be pickled and eaten or dried and used as a spice, and they may also be seen as the strong floral note of many perfumes.

To some, the magnolia tree flower is considered the “symbol of the South.” To others, though, they represent perseverance, sweetness and nobility – while the magnolia tree as a whole is considered to be an emblem of dignity. As a gift, these flowers are often given to represent a struggle that has been overcome, poise in the face of adversity, or as a simple token of respect and admiration. Although these flowers may be given in classic bouquets, they may also be presented as single cut pieces, or – for the gardening fanatic – as young, potted plants that may planted into the ground at a later date.