Magnolia- Swamp Laurel, Swamp Sassafras, Sweet Bay, White Bay, White Laurel

[joel]

https://www.handmadeapothecary.co.uk/blog/2019/3/16/magnolia-a-foraged-spice-cupboard

 

[Peanut]

Interesting... Though not commonly used I know several of the magnolias are medicinal and they vary greatly as to use, have to check my notes on that.

I'd never heard they were edible too.

 

[Patchouli]

Had no idea magnolia flowers were edible. My mom, being a southerner, loved her magnolias. So fragrant. Good info, @joel

 

[LadyLocust]

Thank you Joel. I didn't know either. It says spicy flavor - now I have to see if they are available somewhere. Will also have to check out the site.

 

[joel]

https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/Magnolias.pdf

 

[Patchouli]

Magnolias really do prefer the south, @LadyLocust . My mom had a few different ones in Maryland and would be lucky every year if after they started blooming, there wasn't another hard frost. It would mess up her Star Magnolia flowers. From what I've read, there are a few types that would do okay in western WA.

 

[Peanut]

I have 2 favorites, Mtn magnolia and sweet bay... Here are the cones of mtn magnolia aka Frazier Magnolia.. It only grows on mountain tops in the southern appalachia.