lily of the valley (redirected from lilies of the valley)

lily of the valley, common name for either of the two species of Convallaria, spring-blooming perennials of the family Liliaceae (lily family). C. majalis, the species usually in cultivation, is native to Eurasia; C. montana, a slightly larger plant, grows in the Appalachian Mts. Lilies of the valley live in shady places and have delicate bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers growing on a stalk between two shiny leaves. The plant was long used medicinally for cardiac disorders and contains poisonous substances. It is a symbol of humility in religious painting. Lily of the valley is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Liliopsida, order Liliales, family Liliaceae.

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lily of the valley

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)

(credit: © Nell Bolen—The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers)

Fragrant perennial herb and sole species (Convallaria majalis) of the genus Convallaria (lily family), native to Eurasia and eastern North America. White, bell-shaped flowers droop in a row from one side of a leafless stalk, which bears usually two glossy leaves at its base. The fruit is a single red berry. Lily of the valley is cultivated in shaded garden areas in many temperate parts of the world.

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lily of the valley

of Finland. [Flower Symbolism: WB, 7: 264]

See : Flower Or Plant, National