Lily of the Valley Information

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Overview

A fragrant flower that often enhances bridal bouquets, lily of the valley is the birth flower for the month during which it blooms---May. Lily of the valley grows low to the ground and makes excellent ground cover, establishing itself with its rhizome root system wherever planted.

Geography

The plant is native to portions of Europe and Asia and is the national flower of Finland.

Considerations

The plant can tolerate dry conditions but prefers moist soil. Lily of the valley thrives in the shade and is a simple plant to transplant, requiring only that the gardener dig it up, place it somewhere and cover the roots with soil.

Time Frame

The white bell-shaped flowers of lily of the valley hang down on the 6-inch tall stalk. They bloom in the spring around the middle of May before eventually turning into small red berries during the summer.

Famous Ties

Lily of the valley goes by the name of Our Lady's Tears in some places, with the legend being that the tears of the Holy Mother at the crucifixion turned into the flower as they hit the ground.

Benefits

The leaves and roots of lily of the valley produce a medication that acts the same way as digitalis does to stimulate the heart. In World War I, this medicine helped those suffering from the effects of gassing.

References

May Birth Flower:Birthflowersguide
Lily of the Valley:Babies Online
Convallaria:Arena Flowers

Keywords: lily of valley, bell shaped flowers, May birth flower

About this Author

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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Lily of the Valley Information

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