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Lily-of-the-valley

©Philip Precey

Lily-of-the-valley

A beautifully scented plant, the arching stems and bell-shaped flowers of Lily-of-the-valley can be seen in many woodlands. Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is highly toxic.

Scientific name

Convallaria majalis

When to see

May to June

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 20cm
Common.

Habitats

About

Lily-of-the-valley is a pretty woodland plant with arching stems carrying nodding, white bells in May and June. Famous for its beautiful scent, it can be found in woodlands on both limestone and more acidic soils. Yet, its breathtaking fragrance and delicate flowers belie a much more poisonous nature - all parts of this plant are deadly, including the red berries that appear after the flowers.

How to identify

Lily-of-the-valley has large, glossy, oval leaves that are borne in pairs and often carpet the ground. White flowers, shaped like little bells, dangle from arched stems.

Distribution

Most common in England and parts of Scotland and Wales.

Did you know?

The fragrant, spring flowers of Lily-of-the-valley are a joy in any wildlife garden. Tolerating shade, this plant spreads quickly using rhizomes (underground stems) so provides good ground cover beneath hedges and trees.