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Monday Melange: American Lily of the Valley

Written by Heleigh Bostwick    Monday, 30 July 2012

American Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majuscula ) like its cousin, the European Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), which also comes in pink, is perhaps best known for its fragrant clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in May and June. Two to three broad, dark green leaves frame the flowers. American Lilies of the Valley grow from the buds on rhizomes, which are called pips. It is easy to grow American Lily of the Valley plants from pips. Growing to a height of about 6 to 8 inches tall, the American Lily of the Valley grows from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and west to Tennessee and Kentucky. American Lily of the Valley makes a nice ground cover, preferring moist, rich soils, and partial shade. Soils can be either acidic or alkaline, the latter being typical of urban conditions making American Lily of the Valley an option in an urban garden or around foundations, as well as in a woodland garden. Be advised that all parts of the plant are extremely poisonous and where conditions are ideal, Lily of the Valley can become invasive (European Lily of the Valley is listed as such in Wisconsin) forming extensive colonies; however for most people this isn’t a problem. American Lily of the Valley is listed as endangered in Kentucky.