Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley, common name for any of a genus of perennial herbs (see Lily). The cultivated species is native to temperate Eurasia and is probably of introduced origin in North America. Lily of the valley is a longtime favorite for shady gardens, where it will form a dense stand to the exclusion of all other vegetation. The leaves are tongue-shaped, parallel-veined, and arise from ground level. The fruit is a red berry. Flowers are tiny white bells (occasionally other colors) hanging from a single erect stem about 30 cm (about 12 in) tall. Because of their fragrance, the flowers are used in the manufacture of perfume. In cultivation, the lily of the valley is usually propagated from the terminal buds, called pips, of the underground rootstock. Once established, populations tend to persist with great tenacity.

Scientific classification: Lilies of the valley make up the genus Convallaria, of the family Liliaceae. The cultivated species is classified as Convallaria majalis.