"Magnolia"

Our Magnolia

       Even the names of local plants do not come automatically to mind as did oaks and maples and pines in Minnesota.  Pyracantha, pomegranate, magnolia, bougainvillea; they have a strangeness on the tongue as identifiers of the natural environment for me.

       The magnolia tree that stands tall in our back yard presents its large white blossoms each spring, drops its big leaves into the pomegranate and bottle brush "next door," but still fights in my consciousness for "home" status, magnolia having such a Southern significance in my mind, the culture of the Southeastern United States, suggesting mint juleps, Southern drawls, and sultry Southern belles.

       I'm getting accustomed to you, magnolia...named for Pierre Magnol, 17th century French botanist...and increasingly appreciative of your constant presence and seasonal offerings.

A Blossom in Spring