European lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis L.

European lily of the valley builds a low woodland colony from creeping underground rhizomes. Broad leaves rise together while a separate flower stalk carries a row of hanging white bells. Their arrangement makes the spray appear one-sided, and the fragrance is especially noticeable at flowering time. Its modest height hides an effective capacity to spread and fill suitable shaded ground. NC State Extension: Convallaria majalis

Wear European lily of the valley: explore the botanical t-shirt

Botanical name

Kew accepts Convallaria majalis L. in Asparagaceae and treats the American Convallaria pseudomajalis separately. Kew POWO: Convallaria majalisKew POWO: Convallaria pseudomajalis

Recognizing the plant

The leaves are elliptic, with strong parallel veins, and are commonly paired. A flower stalk may carry six to sixteen blossoms. Each bell is formed from fused floral segments whose six small tips curve outward. Red berries may follow, although the North Carolina Extension account notes that fruit is not commonly produced in some garden settings. The familiar plant is generally only six to ten inches tall. NC State Extension: Convallaria majalis

Bloom window

North Carolina, United States

In North Carolina, flowering is described in late spring to early summer, lasting roughly three weeks. NC State Extension: Convallaria majalis

Native range

Kew places its native centre in Europe and the Caucasus and records numerous introduced populations in North America. The Appalachian American lily-of-the-valley is treated separately in this account, even where older garden references combine the names. Kew POWO: Convallaria majalisKew POWO: Convallaria pseudomajalis