Family: Asparagaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 814 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Convallaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to Caucasus
Description
Lily-of-the-valley, scientifically known as Convallaria majalis, is a charming perennial plant that has captivated gardeners and horticulturists for centuries. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species continues to be a beloved staple in gardens across the world.
Thriving in temperate climates, the Lily-of-the-valley is native to regions spanning from Europe to the Caucasus. This hardy plant is part of the Asparagaceae family, a diverse group known for its aromatic and often visually striking members.
The plant is most recognized for its delicate, nodding white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring, usually in May. These flowers are not just aesthetically pleasing but are also highly fragrant, often used in perfumery for their sweet and fresh scent. Growing typically from 15 to 25 centimeters in height, the plant’s flowers are beautifully contrasted by its broad, lanceolate leaves, which provide a lush green backdrop.
One distinguishing characteristic of Convallaria majalis is its rhizomatous root system. This allows the plant to spread effectively and form dense ground covers, making it a popular choice for shady garden beds and woodland gardens. Despite its innocuous appearance, it is essential to note that all parts of the Lily-of-the-valley are toxic if ingested, containing compounds that can have harmful effects on the heart.
In folklore and cultural traditions, the Lily-of-the-valley holds significant symbolic meaning. Often associated with purity, humility, and renewal, it has been a favorite in bridal bouquets and decorations for centuries. Furthermore, its hardy nature and ability to thrive in diverse conditions make it a symbol of resilience and hope.
Cultivating Lily-of-the-valley does not require extensive expertise. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and thrives in partial to full shade. Gardeners should ensure adequate moisture during the growing season to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Propagation is primarily through division of the rhizomes, which is best done in early autumn or immediately after flowering.
Despite the simplicity of its care, the plant’s invasive potential should be managed carefully, especially in areas where it is not native. Regular monitoring and containment can help maintain the beauty of the Lily-of-the-valley without allowing it to outcompete other plants in your garden.
In conclusion, Convallaria majalis is not only a boon for those looking to add a touch of elegance and fragrance to their gardens but also serves as a testament to the enduring allure of classic, time-honored plant species. Whether appreciated for its visual appeal, olfactory delight, or symbolic richness, the Lily-of-the-valley remains a beloved choice for gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: european lily of the valley, lily-of-the-valley, european lily-of-the-valley, lily of the valley
Dan: liljekonval
Deu: maiglöckchen
Fra: muguet, muguet de mai, muguet commun
Swe: kielo, liljekonvalj, konvalje, liljekonvalje
Fin: kielo
Nld: lelietje-van-dalen
Nob: liljekonvall
Nno: liljekonvall
Nor: lille conval, nyseblad
Sme: giđđadivgarássi
Cym: alaw crewyll, clych enid, elestr y maes, lili’r dyffryn, lili’r dyffrynnoedd, lili’r dyffrynoedd, lili’r maes
Gla: lili nan gleann, lili nan lòn, lilidhean nan gleann, lilidhean nan lòn
En: Lily-of-the-valley, Lily of the Valley, European lily of the valley, Maièrysle, European lily-of-the-valley, Lady’s Tears
Ar: كونفالاريا أيار
Hy: Հովտաշուշան
Az: Keysk inciçiçəyi, Yapon inciçiçəyi, İnci çiçəyi
Ba: Ынйы сәскә
Eu: Mugeta
Be: Ландыш звычайны, Ландыш майскі, Ландыш, Лантуш майскі
Bn: কামুদিনী
Br: Louzaouenn-an-hañv
Bg: Момина сълза
Ca: Lliri de maig, Muguet
Zh: Ling lan, 君影草, 山谷百合, 鈴蘭, 鈴蘭屬, 鈴蘭花, 铃兰, 铃兰属, 铃兰花
Kw: Losow an hav
Co: Convalaria majalis
Hr: Đurđica
Cs: Konvalinka vonná
Da: Liljekonval
Nl: Boslelie, Lelietje der dalen, Lelietje van dale, Lelietje van dalen, Lelietje-der-dalen, Lelietje-van-Dale, Lelietje-van-dalen, Meiklokje
Eo: Konvalo, Majfloro
Et: Harilik maikelluke, Karikelled, Lambakeel, Lillikas, Maikelluke, Piibeleht, Villvallikas
Fi: Kielo, Kielot, Kellokielo
Fr: Muguet, Convallaria maialis, Gazon du Parnasse, Grillet, Larmes de sainte Marie, Lis de mai, Lis des vallées, Lys de mai, Lys des vallées, Muguet de mai, Muguet commun, Clochette des bois
Ka: Შროშანა
De: Maiglöckchen, Maiblume
El: Μιγκέ
He: שושנת העמקים
Hu: Gyöngyvirág
Io: Maifloro
Id: Bunga bakung
Ga: Lile na ngleanntán
It: Giglio delle convalli, Mughetto, Lilium convallium, Mughetti
Kk: İnjwgül, Інжугүл, Меруертгүл, ىنجۋگۇل
Ko: 은방울꽃, 은방울꽃속
Ku: Xeydoka gulanê
La: Maialis convallaria, Maialis
Lv: Maijpuķīte, Parastā kreimene
Li: Lelietje der dalen, Meizäödje, Meizäödsje, Muguet
Lt: Konovalija, Pakalnutė, Paprastoji pakalnutė
Lb: Kläckelchersblumm, Meeglëckchen, Meeréischen
Mk: Момина солза
Ml: ലില്ലി ഓഫ് ദ വാലി
Gv: Blaa Boaldyn, Lilee ny glionney, Lilee y choan
Se: Giđđadivgarássi
No: Liljekonvall, Lille conval, Nyseblad
Nb: Liljekonvall
Nn: Liljekonvall
Oc: Muguet
Os: Джыджына, Ландыш
Ps: سوسن
Fa: زنبق دره
Pl: Konvalia, Konwalia leśna, Konwalia majowa
Pt: Lírio do Vale, Lírio-do-vale
Ro: Lăcrămioară
Ru: Ландыш майский, Ландыш
Gd: Lili nan gleann, Lili nan lòn, Lilidhean nan gleann, Lilidhean nan lòn
Sr: Ђурђевак, Ђурђица, Шмарница
Sk: Konvalinka voňavá, Konvalinka
Es: Convalaria, Lirio convalio, Lirio de Nuestra Señora, Lirio de los valles, Lirio salvaje, Lágrimas de Salomón, Muguet, Muguete, Mugueto, Šmarnica, Lirio del valle
Sv: Liljekonvalj, Hjartansfröjd, Konvalje, Liljekonvalje, Kielo
Zh-tw: 鈴蘭
Tg: Ливондар
Zh-hant: 鈴蘭
Tr: Müge
Uk: Конвалія звичайна, Конвалія травнева
Uz: Lily of the valley
Vi: Huệ chuông, Lan chuông, Linh lan
Wa: Passe-rôze
Cy: Lili‘r dyffrynnoedd, Alaw Crewyll, Clych Enid, Elestr y Maes, Lili’r Dyffryn, Lili’r Dyffrynnoedd, Lili’r Dyffrynoedd, Lili’r Maes
Fy: Maaieklokje
Synonyms
- Convallaria latifolia (Mill.)
- Convallaria bracteata (Dulac)
- Convallaria majalis var. bracteosa (Rchb.)
- Convallaria mappii (C.C.Gmel.)
- Convallaria majalis var. prolificans (Wittm.)
- Convallaria scaposa (Gilib.)
- Convallaria majalis var. flore-purpurascente (Loisel.)
- Convallaria majalis var. flore-pleno (Loisel.)
- Lilium-convallium majale ((L.) Moench)
- Convallaria majalis var. variegata (E.J.Lowe & W.Howard)
- Lilium convallium (Garsault)
- Convallaria maxima (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
- Convallaria majalis f. prolificans ((Wittm.) Voss)
- Convallaria fragrans (Salisb.)
- Convallaria majalis f. angustifolia (Zapal.)
- Convallaria majalis var. laminaris (F.Rosen)
- Convallaria linnaei (Gaertn.)
- Convallaria transcaucasica (Utkin ex Grossh.)
- Convallaria majalis var. transcaucasica ((Utkin ex Grossh.) Knorring)
- Convallaria majalis var. rosea (Rchb.)
- Convallaria majalis f. abchasica (Ponert)
- Convallaria majalis f. laminaris ((F.Rosen) Ponert)
- Convallaria majalis f. latifrons (Ponert)
- Convallaria majalis f. mappii ((C.C.Gmel.) Ponert)
- Convallaria majalis subsp. transcaucasica ((Utkin ex Grossh.) Bordz.)
- Convallaria majalis f. latior (Zapal.)
- Polygonatum majale ((L.) All.)
- Convallaria majalis f. picta (Wilczek)
- Convallaria majalis var. latifolia ((Mill.) Asch. & Graebn.)
- Convallaria majalis var. rubra (Anon.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Krym (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Iowa (introduced)
- Kansas (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Labrador (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Minnesota (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- New Brunswick (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Nova Scotia (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Prince Edward I. (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Saskatchewan (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Turkey-in-Europe (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2018 by marta civera (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Mieke Duytschaever (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Sara PRIELS (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 26, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 9, 2019 by Saint333 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Jakob (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2017 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2020 by philip beef (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Kate Senatskaya (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 31, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2019 by Bajkerr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Fabrice Bourriquet (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Ethan Winter (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2022 by V Michael (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Harald Thingelstad (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Rafał Szeląg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7459480)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:533487-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Convallaria majalis L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Rhizomatous
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth rate: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 4
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 4