LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY
Lily-of-the-valleyConvallaria majalis—LILIACEAE
Lily-of-the-valleyConvallaria majalis—LILIACEAE
Description:A perennial, low-growing herb found in many gardens. Its attractive small, white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are fragrant and used in bouquets. They blossom in spring and summer. Several of these are found on one side of a slender flowering stalk. Leaves have parallel vein markings. The fruits appear in late summer and early fall and are attractive red to orange-red fleshy berries.
Poisonous Parts:Roots, leaves, and fruits contain harmful principles, particularly the glycosideconvallatoxinwhich stimulates the heart muscles similarly to the poisonous principles of thefoxglove,digitalis. Dizziness and vomiting may occur in 1 to 2 hours if large quantities are eaten.
Antidote:Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians should look for symptoms of digitalis poisoning.