Lily of the valley

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Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), pronounced as /ˈlɪli ɒv ðə ˈvæli/, is a sweetly scented, highly poisonous woodland flowering plant that is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe.

Etymology

The name Convallaria majalis is derived from the Latin convallis, meaning "valley", and majalis, meaning "of May", referring to its common time of flowering. The common name, Lily of the Valley, is a direct translation of the Latin name.

Description

Lily of the Valley is a herbaceous perennial plant that forms extensive colonies by spreading underground stems called rhyzomes. The stems, called scapes, are smooth, upright and slightly arching, and they grow 15–30 cm tall. Each scape bears a raceme of nodding, bell-shaped white flowers.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are highly toxic, including the red berries which may be attractive to children. If ingested—even in small amounts—the plant can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and a reduced heart rate.

Medical Uses

Despite its toxicity, Lily of the Valley has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. It has been used as a diuretic, a cardiotonic, and an emetic. However, due to its high toxicity, it is rarely used today.

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