Lily of The Valley - Convallaria majalis - €5 per plant

 Lily of the Valley is hardy herbaceous perennial often planted as a ground cover for areas of dry shade. The nectar bearing flowers emit an alluring fragrance and are very attractive to bees. The plant can spread rapidly once established so consideration should be given before planting. The plants has a has a long and proven record in herbal medicine, however care should be taken before use as all parts of the plant are poisonous. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region:  Europe, from Scandanavia to Spain east to N.E. Asia, Greece and the Caucasus.
  • native habitat: Dry shady woodland, usually on calcareous soils, and especially in ash woodlands.
  • family: Convallariaceae

Predators and Pests

  • None observed

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Deep shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral, Alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7


Known Hazards

  • All parts of the plant are poisonous. However, the toxic principle is very poorly absorbed when taken orally so poisoning is unlikely to occur. The leaves can be a mild skin irritant. Overdose may lead to nausea, vomiting, stupor, colour perception disorders, and cardiac arrhythmias. Internal use preparations no longer considered safe.

Overview

  • Herbaceous Perennial growing to 0.2 m by 0.3 m.
  • It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, self.The plant is self-fertile.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil.

Characteristics

  • form:Herbaceous  perennial
  • layer :Ground Layer
  • habit: spreading
  • height x width (m): 0.2 x 0.3  
  • productive life span: indefinite

Products 

  • Flowers : A wine can be prepared from the flowers, mixed with raisins.
    An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. It is used in perfumery. A green dye is obtained from the leaves in spring. A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves in autumn
  • Medicinal:has a long and proven reputation in herbal medicine in the treatment of heart complaints
  • Can be used as a Ground cover in dry shady areas

Functions, behaviours

  • It is a very ornamental plant, although it can become very invasive once it is established.
  • Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
  • A good bee plant
If you would like this plant send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project