The birth flower for May is the lovely woodland flower, lily of the valley. They are native to Europe and Asia and an early bloomer. Their delicate cascade of sweet smelling, bell-shaped flowers, sheathed in bright green leaves are a welcome sign that winter days are coming to an end and spring has finally arrived. The flowers are perfect for welcoming a baby born in May and for celebrating new life and fresh beginnings.
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| May - Lily of the Valley (Photo by Matti Virtaa) |
The lily of the valley plant signifies joy, love, sincerity, happiness or a return to happiness, sweetness, humility, purity, fertility, and luck. Flowers are typically white, but pale pink and purple varieties can be found in the trade (the blooms of the latter can be very toxic). References to lily of the valley can be found throughout literature, the Bible, mythology, and folklore. Despite its name, the plant is not in the lily family, but in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) are shade-loving plants with flowers appearing in early spring and vibrant orange berries in late summer. Although delicate looking, the plant is hardy. The plant is safe to handle but is mildly toxic (especially the roots), and should not be eaten by humans or animals. Lily of the valley contains glycosides which can affect the heart if eaten. The compound has been used by professionals to treat heart disorders, urinary infections, epilepsy, kidney stones and burns.
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