lilyofthevalley

Lily of the valley, botanical name Convallaria majalis, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is valued for its sweetly scented, bell-shaped flowers that hang in pairs from slender stems and for glossy, two-ranked leaves that emerge early in spring.

It forms a creeping underground rhizome, producing clumps of leaves and flowering stalks up to 15-30 cm tall. The flowers are white, sometimes pale pink, tubular bells with a poisonous red berry fruit that follows. The plant is hardy and deciduous.

It occurs in woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded gardens across Europe and into Asia; in many regions it has naturalized beyond its native range.

It grows best in partial shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil; spreads by rhizomes and can be invasive in favorable conditions; widely grown as an ornamental plant for ground cover or borders.

All parts contain cardioactive glycosides such as convallatoxin and convalloside; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat; poses risks to pets and children; avoid internal use.

In the language of flowers, lily of the valley symbolizes humility and the return of happiness; in France it is associated with May Day and the tradition of giving muguet; it is also used in perfumery.

Numerous cultivars exist, including those with pink-tinged flowers or golden-variegated leaves.