What is the lily of the valley plant?
The lily of the valley is a common spring flower in temperate areas of the world. Now valued for their ornamental value, they were once used in herbal medicine.GeographyThe lily of the valley is a spring flower native to Europe but naturalized in parts of the British Isles, North America and northern Asia. In its native habitat, it is found growing in light shade in dry woods.IdentificationThe leaves are dark green, oval or blade-shaped, and have distinctive longitudinal ribs. The flowers are white or pink bells growing on a short green spike emerging from a rosette of leaves. Their characteristic aroma is sweet and perfume-like.Growing ConditionsThe lily of the valley is hardy in USDA zones two through nine in the continental United States. They grow best in lightly shaded areas under trees or shrubbery.UsesLilies of the valley are valued as a low-growing ground cover. Their scent makes them highly prized as cut flowers and pot plants. The flowers are used in making perfume and essent
