CONVALLARIA or LILY OF THE VALLEY
Botanically known as Convallaria, but also known as May lily, May bells, Our Lady's tears, Convall-lily, Lily Constancy, ladder-to-Heaven, Jacob's Ladder, male lily, muguet. The Lily of the Valley signifies a "return to happiness". Lily of the valley is much used in bridal arrangements for their sweet perfume. Traditionally associated with May 1st, especially in France where the "muguet" is handed out at special events.
The leaves of this small herb, arising from a slender creeping rootstock, are 10-15cm long with sheathed stalks; the leafless flowerstems support a one-sided spike of drooping, bell-shaped, white, sweet-scented flowers. It is found in woodlands throughout Europe and Asia from the Mediterranean to the Arctic circle, and is cultivated and naturalised throughout the world.
First cultivated in 1420, and is mainly available in April and May.
The fresh leaves have the most powerful action. Convallaria is a valuable heart remedy with an action similar to Digitalis but without its potential toxic effects, and was used to treat victims of gassing during the First World War as it reduces blood pressure. Although a word of caution, these leaves shouldn't be used unless by a qualified medical practitioner as they can have very harmful side effects if not treated correctly.
The flowers are also used in perfumery. In Chinese medicine, related species are used as a tonic. The red fruits are also highly poisonous.
Related Flowers : Camellias Flowers Chincherinchees or Ornithogalums Flowers Carnations Dianthus Flowers Chrysanthemums or Xanths Flowers Cherry Blossoms Flowers Cymbidiums Orchids Chrysanthemums Xanths Flowers Dahlias Flowers Clovers Flowers Delphiniums Flowers
