lily of the valley

noun

, plural lilies of the valley.

1. a plant, Convallaria majalis, having an elongated cluster of small, drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers.

lily of the valley

noun

1. a small liliaceous plant, Convallaria majalis, of Eurasia and North America cultivated as a garden plant, having two long oval leaves and spikes of white bell-shaped flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of lily of the valley¹

First recorded in 1555–65

More About Lily Of The Valley

What is a lily of the valley?

The lily of the valley is a plant with fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers.

The name is sometimes hyphenated, as lily-of-the-valley. Its plural is lilies of the valley. Its scientific name is Convallaria majalis. 

The lily of the valley is a popular garden plant. It is a perennial plant that blooms in spring, grows well in shade, and is known for spreading quickly and being ideal for ground cover. The plant and flowers are toxic (if ingested) to both humans and many domestic animals.

The lily of the valley is the national flower of Finland. It is also the May birth flower (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). Bridal bouquets featuring lilies of the valley are popular. It is said to represent virtue, faithfulness, and sweetness. It is also associated with Christian symbolism and is sometimes called Our Lady’s Tears or Mary’s tears, in reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Example: I love a beautiful bouquet of lilies of the valley.

Where does lily of the valley come from?

The first records of the term lily of the valley come from the mid-1500s. Despite its name, the lily of the valley is not considered a true lily, though it is part of the lily family. It likely gets its name because its bell-shaped flowers resemble true lilies.

The plant is native to a broad range in the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to lily of the valley?

• lily-of-the-valley (alternate hyphenated spelling)
• lilies of the valley (plural)

What are some words that share a root or word element with lily of the valley? 

 

• lily
• valley
• lily family

What are some words that often get used in discussing lily of the valley?

• white
• flower
• bouquet
• garden
• perennial
• May

How is lily of the valley used in real life?

The lily of the valley is popular for flower gardens. It’s known for its pleasant scent.

Happy May Day! My mother loved lily of the valley and so do I. In the French tradition of giving lily of the valley to those you love on May 1, sending these beautiful flowers to you – wishing you happiness & good luck! #MayDay #Lilyofthevalley #1erMai #happiness pic.twitter.com/lKvdXWFUjm

— Valerie Ghent (@ValerieGhent) May 1, 2019

so lily of the valley is my favorite flower in minecraft and i just found out they are apparently poisonous…. i don't know how to feel… i mean fitting ig

— not ashlynn (@imnotmesilly) April 12, 2021

From my tiny balcony garden.
Tiarella; Lily of the Valley; Blue Salvia. To Stacy, wherever she may be.
“….if I gave you flowers, I would want to give you flowers that I grew myself.” pic.twitter.com/GamfaaIQ6j

— Barry (@BarryW757) April 12, 2021

 

Try using lily of the valley!

True or False? 

The lily of the valley is poisonous when ingested.