LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

They Grow Wild Here in the Mountains

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Magnolia?"  Chances are, you are visualizing Scarlett O'Hara, the characters in "Steel Magnolias" or other individuals from the deep south.  It is not likely that you are thinking of the mountains of North Carolina.  In truth, we have our own magnolias here in Western North Carolina mountains.  Scattered thoughout the forests, these lovely fragrant blossoms add an unexpected pleasure to a mountain hike.  Magnolia Fraseri, more commonly called Mountain Magnolia or Fraser Magnolia, was named for John Fraser (1750-1811).  A botanist, Fraser traveled from his native Scotland to the Appalachian Mountains collecting specimens of native flora.  The wild magnolias grow on rather spindly trees, not the stately lush green trees we see in southern yards.  But the blossoms are just as lovely.


This magnolia is growing on our property.




It has a sweet fragrance similar to the Southern Magnolia.


We are blessed to be surrounded by such a variety of trees and we especially appreciate those whose fragrance catches the breeze.  As my tee-shirt says, "Life is Good."

13 comments:

The Bug said...

We had one in our yard in Wake Forest. Gorgeous big old thing - but my goodness were the leaves a pain to rake up :)

Janet said...

First of all, Congratulations on your waterfall - it is picture-perfect and everything North Carolina's mountains are known for! Second, your tree is lovely. I love the magnolia trees here in the Triad too. Hubby planted one in the front yard - it has pink blossoms. My only problem with magnolia trees is that they (A) make me think of Steel Magnolias, the movie and poor, young Julia Roberts dying and leaving her precious baby behind and (B) they don't bloom all year long!

Enjoy your beautiful mountain day!

Janet

Jill said...

Love these trees. One of my favorites.

KB said...

You are indeed very lucky. What beautiful flowers.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful magnolia! When I hear the word "magnolia" I think of the movie Steel Magnolias, and the song "Sugar Magnolia" by the Grateful Dead.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love magnolia trees!!!
I have a few of those Life Is Good shirts....have you been to that little store in Sylva that carries all of them?? I love that place.

Vicki Lane said...

Oh yes -- we have some on our mountain. Big tall things.

KGMom said...

They are lovely--and I so associate magnolias with southern locations.

carolina nana said...

I think the wild Magnolias have a sweeter smell than the one in my yard.
Have a blessed day
Marilyn

animal lover, quilt lover said...

WE have 3 wild (well I guess they are wild we didn't plant them and we are the first to live on our land) magnolia's that live and bloom on our land. They are very tall trees and most years you can not see the blooms but you can smell them!! I have wanted to get a picture of the bloom but they are so far up I can not get one. The bloom looks just like the pic you showed!!
Thanks for your visit!!
xx, Bambi & Fern

My Mind's Eye said...

What a lovely fragrance coming from your post and pictures. Ahhhh magnolias and sweet tea that is the South. You live in a beautiful section of our state too.

Madi and Mom

Cheryl said...

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
Wild magnolias what a dream.
They have such an ethereal quality, I envy you having one in your garden.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Bug - That's the best part of seeing them in the woods. No cleanup.

Captain's Daughter - I also love the planted magnolia trees. Oh, Steel Magnolias...such a funny and tragic movie.

Robin - I figured you for a dead head all along. Reminds me of their song as well.

Suz - I haven't been to the store in Sylva, but we have a store that carries a lot of them...even pajamas. Oh, they are so soft.

Cherl - It isn't really in our garden...just growing wild in our woods.