Don’t eat the seeds

Not content with summer seduction
of pearly petals’ silken scent,
fall magnolias dangle scarlet seeds
coyly enclosed in coral velvet cones
just out of reach of covetous squirrels
as we debate their lethal charms.

~~~
To eat or not to eat? Magnolia blossoms are eaten pickled in Japan, or they may be chopped into a salad. The bark is used in Chinese medicine as a tea or a bath for bug bites. Although we’re told that the seeds are toxic, some brave soul has tried them and said, “They have a sweet, pleasant taste at first. After a second bite, it tastes like gasoline.”

Inspired by #whatsoeverislovely and #WOTD challenges.

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