Lily of the Valley
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Botanical Name |
Convallaria majalis |
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Family |
Convallariaceae / Liliaceae (Lily) |
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Other Names |
Convallaria, convall-lily, Jacob’s ladder, ladder to heaven, lily constancy, muguet, May blossom, May lily, our lady’s tears, wood lily |
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Habitat |
Woods |
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Description |
Perennial 23-30cm/9-12in Rhizome root Leaves: pale green and in pairs, basal leaves deep ribbed larger than others oblong pointed, lanceolate, up to 15cm long, 5cm wide Flowers: white bell shaped with six stamens May-June. Fruit: red berry September Sweet scent |
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Native to |
Britain, Europe |
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Parts used |
Whole plant |
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Cultivation |
Rich moist soil, partial shade. Plant crowns September – October 8-10cm/3-4in apart with pointed end just below the surface. Sow seeds when ripe and before October |
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Propagation |
October – March |
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Harvesting |
May-June |
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Actions |
Antispasmodic, cardiac stimulant, cardiac tonic, diuretic, laxative |
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Constituents |
Saponins including convallarin and convallaric acid; asparagin, essential oil, farnesol Cardiactive glycosides –the cardenolildes convallatoxin, convalloside, convallatoxol, desglucocheirotoxin, lokunjoside, convallamaroside, glycosides of bipindogenin, sarmentologenin, sarmentosigenin A, rhodexin A, rhodexoside Leaves: Flavonoid glycosides |
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Circulatory muscle joint |
Heart |
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Other Notes |
Protected species in Austria, Switzerland and Germany Its name Convallaria comes from the Latin convallis meaning valley and the Greek leirion meaning lily and majalis means May the month is flowers in Associated with spring festivals and as symbol of regeneration Sacred to the Virgin Mary Grows wild in St Leonard’s Forest, Sussex – this is said to be where blood was spilt during the saint’s fight with a dragon named Sin. The fight lasted for four days before the dragon conceded defeat In the west country of England it is said if you plant a bed of lilies you invite death Said to attract nightingales Planet: Mercury Element: Air |
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Caution |
Toxic –Only use under supervision of a professional herbalist |