lily of the valley

lily of the valley, (Convallaria majalis), fragrant perennial herb and only species of the genus Convallaria in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Native to Eurasia and eastern North America, lily of the valley is cultivated in shaded garden areas in many temperate parts of the world. The plants often grow closely together, forming a dense mat, and are sometimes used as ground cover.

Lily of the valley has nodding white bell-shaped flowers that are borne in a cluster on one side of a leafless stalk. The glossy leaves, usually two, are located at the base of the plant. The fruit is a red berry. The plant spreads vegetatively by means of both rhizomes and stolons that creep horizontally below the ground or along the top of the soil. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides and are poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.