For afragile flower no more than eight inches tall, Lily of the Valley is apoetic — and surprisingly potent — plant. While the flower blooms in delicate clusters of small bell-shaped bulbs, its scent packs aheavy punch.
Even floral experts agree. “Lily of the Valley is good for luck. The scent is so special and heady and immediately makes me think of spring,” says florist Taylor Patterson, founder of Fox Fodder Farm in New YorkCity.
While its scent may seem sweet — delivering the uplifting, fresh notes of aflower in bloom — in plant form, Lily of the Valley is poisonous and should not be ingested by humans or animals (smelling it is totally safe!). But besides its toxicity, there’s many more reasons to love this perennial flower. Here are seven things you may not know about the iconicplant.
It’s Lucky
A favorite of brides (Queen Victoria, Princess Astrid of Sweden, Grace Kelly, and Kate Middleton all incorporated the flower into their bouquets), this delicate bell-shaped blossom is said to bring good luck inlove.
Known as the May Lily, it’s atrue expression of spring, often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations for its purity and sweet perfume. On May Day in France, named La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley Day), bunches of the petite buds are sold on the street and worn inlapels.
It’s aFinnish Symbol
In 1967 it became Finland’s national flower, chosen to represent the attractiveness and sweetness of theFinns.
It’s Superstitious
In folklore, Lily of the Valley is said to protect gardens from evil spirits and is also considered the flower of fairies, who drink from its tinycups.
It’s Romantic
Legend has it that Lily of the Valley’s strong fragrance lures the nightingale to find his mate. It’s also been linked to increased fertility in humans (Opens in anew window), due to acomponent of its scent known as Borgeonal, which allegedly alters the calcium balance of (and therefore attracts) humansperm.
Despite its name, Lily of the Valley is technically not alily. Scientifically part of the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, meaning its leaves are reduced to small clusters on one side of the stalk, and the green stems act as the primary structure of theplant.
Its Healing Qualities arePowerful
During WWI it was used to treat soldiers exposed to poison gas, and its also atreatment for heart disorders, UTIs, epilepsy, kidney stones andburns.
Photo courtesy of Schmidt’s Naturals
Bonus!
Lily of the Valley is known to symbolize happiness and hope, and is one of Dr. Jane Goodall’s favorite floral aromas. We partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute to bring you Lily of the Valley*, aspecial edition natural deodorant scent inspired by the positive message Dr. Goodall has carried throughout her life’s work. To learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute, visit www.janegoodall.org (Opens in anew window).
Articles from The Natural should not be considered medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, please consult amedical professional.
*Program begins 8/28/18 and ends 12/31/19. For each purchase of (i) Schmidt’s Naturals Lily of the Valley Natural Deodorant, or (ii) Schmidt’s Naturals Lily of the Valley Natural Deodorant Sensitive Skin Formula, Schmidt’s will donate 5% of your purchase price (excluding shipping) to The Jane Goodall Institute. Void where prohibited. Complete donation terms available at www.schmidts.com/JGI. Offered by Conopco, Inc. d/b/a/Unilever. Information concerning The Jane Goodall Institute, including financial, licensing or charitable purpose may be obtained, without cost, by visiting www.janegoodall.org (Opens in anew window).
It is categorized as having major toxicity. The lily of the valley contains several compounds that can affect the heart. It may be used in very small quantities in medication, but ingesting the plant can lead to severe illness, cardiac distress, and even death.
It is categorized as having major toxicity. The lily of the valley contains several compounds that can affect the heart. It may be used in very small quantities in medication, but ingesting the plant can lead to severe illness, cardiac distress, and even death.
Even contact with the plant can cause skin and eye irritation. If any part of a lily of the valley plant is ingested, keep an eye out for the following symptoms: Chest tightness. Diarrhoea.
Lily of the valley craves shade. In the wild, you'll frequently find it growing in a woodland beneath tall trees that cast dappled shade. Moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter yields best growth, but this groundcover is versatile, adapting to any soil — clay, sand, acidic or dry.
Pick in the morning after the dew has dried. Select flowering stems with 1/4 of the buds open. Do not forget to add some leaves in the bouquet. Cut the stems at a 90-degree angle.
Ingesting lilies may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration. Common star lily (Toxicoscordion fremontii) is not a true lily and contains a toxic alkaloid in all parts of the plant that can cause severe poisoning.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a cultivated plant native to Eurasia. It is often grown as a ground cover though it goes dormant in the summer. It spreads and can become invasive. Yes you can pick the flowers and and doing so will do no harm.
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
It signifies purity and innocence. Although it isn't derived directly from the Bible, it does have Biblical connections: lilies are often used to represent the Virgin Mary's purity, and St. Joseph is frequently pictured holding lilies to represent his relationship with Jesus' mother.
What's in a Name: Christians associated Lily of The Valley with the tears of Mary in the valley of the cross, as reflected in both its genus and most popular common name. The genus name of Convallaria comes from the Latin convallis, meaning valley. Other common names include Mary's Tears, May Lily and May Bells.
This well-known flower, native to Great Britain, is a universal favorite and has been in gardens since the 16th century. Williamsburg's John Custis first mentioned lily of the valley around 1738, and by 1829, flowers in white, double white, and rose red were known.
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