Lily of the valley: myths about the harbingers of spring

Lily of the valley is considered a harbinger of spring: As soon as they begin to sprout from the ground, it's said that warmer days are on the horizon. However, these small white flowers are also associated with other meanings, and they are part of various customs.

Lily of the valley belongs to the asparagus family and is found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In nature, it is primarily found in light, not too densely covered deciduous forests. The Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné named it "Convallaria majalis" (majalis means May) and "convallaria" means valley, because the small bells were often found in the partially shaded valleys. The botanical name "Lilium convallis" is also used. and the English name “Lily of the valley” indicate this.

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Other common names in German-speaking countries include Maieriesli (Switzerland), Aprilenglöckle, Maienblumen, or Marientränen (Mary's Tears). According to a Christian legend, lilies of the valley originated from the tears Mary shed at the crucifixion of Jesus. In Greek mythology, however, they were created by the god Apollo. He allegedly covered the forest floor with lilies of the valley so his muses wouldn't have to walk on bare earth. Because nature awakens again in spring with the first flowers, lilies of the valley also symbolize the return of happiness. And because of their connection to Mary, they also symbolize purity and modesty.

In France, small bouquets of lilies of the valley are traditionally given as gifts on May 1st to wish loved ones happiness and health. This tradition is said to date back to the 16th century. The French King Charles IX, then still a child, is said to have begun giving lilies of the valley to the ladies of the court.

Lily of the valley is and always has been a popular wedding flower in bridal bouquets. Princess Kate, for example, chose a bouquet of lily of the valley at her wedding as a symbol of trust, love, and hope. However, when the flower girls at Meghan Markle's wedding to Prince Harry carried lily of the valley flowers, they were met with criticism from the British yellow press, claiming they endangered the children's lives. Although this seems exaggerated and reportedly led to a lawsuit from Prince Harry, lily of the valley is indeed poisonous.

The leaves, blossoms, and red berries of the flower contain so-called glycosides, which can affect heart function. Eating parts of the plant is particularly dangerous – it causes gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Consuming large amounts can lead to increased blood pressure and, in the worst case, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Even contact with the flower can cause skin and eye irritation or allergic reactions in some people, so it's best to wear gloves when touching the plants or wash your hands afterward. It's actually best to keep the flowers away from children and pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs can also be poisoned by lily of the valley.

It is generally known that you shouldn't eat lily of the valley - but confusion often arises. The leaves of the plant look very similar to wild garlic , which many people like to collect in the forest in spring. One important difference: lily of the valley has two or three stalks that wrap around each other. Wild garlic, instead, has a clearly recognizable, single stalk. Lily of the valley buds are spherical, whereas wild garlic has more elongated buds. Wild garlic also smells strongly of garlic, which you can also notice when you crush the leaves. The sweet aroma of lily of the valley, on the other hand, is perceived as pleasant by most people and is therefore often artificially imitated in soaps or perfumes using chemical substances.

Diluted preparations of lily of the valley were once used as medicine. According to the German Museum of Medical History in Ingolstadt, the plant was traditionally used by the Russian rural population, among others, for various heart diseases. In the 19th century, lily of the valley preparations were also included in European pharmacopoeias.

And indeed, glycosides, when dosed and applied correctly, can be used to treat heart disease. However, medications containing such active ingredients in safe dosages have long been available on the market. Self-medication with lily of the valley preparations is strongly discouraged.

If you're planning to plant lilies of the valley in your garden or on your balcony this year, you should do so soon: The flowering period lasts from May to June. Lily of the valley prefers shady to partially shady locations, and the soil should be nutrient-rich and loosened before planting. When planting in containers, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging.