SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 11632.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11632" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

American lily-of-the-valley

Scientific Name: Convallaria majuscula

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley is a fragrant perennial herb, prized for its delicate beauty and sweet scent.

Scientific and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis
  • Common Names: Lily of the valley, American Lily-of-the-Valley

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Ruscaceae (also referenced as Liliaceae in the context of Maianthemum dilatatum)
  • Genus: Convallaria
  • Species: Convallaria majalis
  • Synonyms:
    • Convallaria majuscula Greene
    • Convallaria majalis var. montana (Rafinesque) H. E. Ahles
    • Convallaria montana

Distribution and Habitat

Lily of the valley is native to Eurasia and eastern North America. It grows throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, including the Appalachian Mountains. American lily-of-the-valley is native to rich woodlands and margins, within a limited range of the central Appalachians and prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Lily of the Valley has broad, spear-like foliage and fragrant little white bell shaped flowers
  • Convallaria majalis 'Double Flower Form' exists.
  • Rosea Lily of the Valley produces pale rose pink colored bell shaped flowers from an upright stem
  • Wild lily-of-the-valley is a wild lily, with its two alternate, entire-edged leaves.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lily of the valley poisoning can occur if parts of the plant are ingested.
  • The ASPCA lists Lily of the valley.

Quirky Facts

  • In North America, most flowering plants fail to produce berries.
  • There is some debate as to the native status of the American variety
  • Legend has it that Lily of the valley sprang from Eve's tears.
  • On May 1st, it is a tradition to offer people lily of the valley, considered to be a lucky charm.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden
  • American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
  • Triangle Nursery (wholesale florist supplier)
  • Encyclopedia.com ([http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-lilyofthevalley.html](http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-lilyofthevalley.html))
  • Macmillan Dictionary