Lily of the Valley
May Birth Flower
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The lily of the valley is a low-growing perenial plant that usually has two large oblong leaves and small fragrant nodding bell-shaped flowers. Lily of the valley is one of the most delicate and beautiful of the lily family. The flowers are normally white, although occasionally you can find some with a pink hue to them. By September the flower is producing sweet berries in place of the petals that are about 5-7 mm in diameter. Lily of the valley has also been used in heral medicine as a poison antidote, for the heart and epilepsy. The plant contains various toxins that stimulate the heart and, if ingested in large quantities, can cause death. |
In the past, one of these toxins, convallatoxin, was widely used as a heart medication. Lily of the valley is sometimes cultivated as a source of perfume.
| Lily of the valley has the flower meaning of humility, chastity, sweetness, purity and is said to bring luck in love. It also means "the return of happiness" which is the reason why it is often used as decorations in weddings. Convallaria majalis or lily of the valley usually bloom in the month of May. This May flower is also known as the May lily. The alternate May birth flower is the lily of any variety. Lily of the valley is native to temperate areas of Asia, Europe, and North America, where it grows naturally in woodland settings. |  |
Lilies of the valley appear in several Christian Bible stories. It is said that lilies of the valley grew from the spot where Mary's tears hit the ground at the foot of the cross.
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How to quickly and easily create your own wedding flowers, wedding centerpieces, wedding bouquets, bridal bouquets, and boutonnieres. |
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