Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): the gorgeous, poisonous classic—and how to enjoy it safely

Safety banner : Lily of the valley is poisonous—all parts (flowers, leaves, rhizomes, berries) contain cardiac glycosides. Even vase water can be hazardous if swallowed. Keep away from kids and pets; if ingestion is suspected, contact Poison Control or a veterinarian immediately.

Why grow it (real benefits)

• Shade MVP. Thrives where ornamentals hate to live, like under trees, north walls and dry shade once established. Rhizomes (“pips”) knit a fragrant, weed-suppressing mat. Deer and rabbits usually swipe left (toxicity helps).

• Spring perfume + classic look. Those white bells = a late-spring serotonin boost. In perfumery it’s the iconic “muguet” scent note, only not synthetic, the real flower scent doesn’t yield a practical essential oil for mass production.

• Early pollinator stop. In cool, shaded corners, the bloom offers a little nectar/pollen when not much else is on tap.

Herbs-wise aside: Beautiful? ✅ Beverage? ❌ This is a looker, not a sipper.

A helpful history (then → now)

Before modern, standardized heart medicines took the stage, lily-of-the-valley preparations appeared in European materia medica as a cardiac tonic (its glycosides act a bit like foxglove’s). That’s historical context, not a how-to. Today we use regulated drugs with careful dosing and monitoring, for very good reasons.

What to actually use it for (non-ingestive, home-safe)

• Scented shade carpets & edging. Naturalize beneath deciduous shrubs/trees or along paths for a one-two punch of bloom + fragrance. (Install edging if you don’t want an empire.)

• Small, labeled nosegays. Enjoy the scent in a vase—label it and discard water safely. Don’t let pets near it they will invariable drink it like an aperitif.

How to grow (Zones 4–6 quick start)

• Site & soil: Part–full shade; average, well-drained soil; consistent moisture year 1 (tolerates drier shade thereafter).

• Planting: Set pips 2–3 cm deep, 10–15 cm apart in fall or early spring; water in. Divide after bloom to spread the joy (responsibly).

• Care: Let leaf litter mulch it; water in long dry spells; remove spent stalks. Minimal feeding required.

• Containment: Can be assertive (and regionally invasive). Use edging or containers; never dump extras into natural areas. Check local guidance.

What not to use it for (important)

• Not a home remedy. Cardiac glycosides = serious. Dosing mistakes can be life-threatening. Modern care uses standardized meds, not backyard brews.

• Not pet-safe or child-safe. Treat plant and vase water as toxic; berries look like snacks to little humans.

Quick safety notes (read me)

• Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, arrhythmias. Seek urgent care if ingestion is suspected.

• Keep cut stems/vases out of reach; label arrangements clearly.

• Garden hygiene: gloves for big divisions; wash hands after handling.

Grow it for shade fragrance and spring smiles. Do not ingest any part (or the vase water). Enjoy as a garden classic and a perfumery lesson, not as medicine.

By Aaron Peterson • Ottawa • Last updated: Sept 03 2025