Pink-Flowered Lily-Of-The-Valley

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Biocultural value

The plant has been used to treat heart disease and dropsy. It contains the glycoside convallatoxin. This dainty, fragrant flower was emblematic of the Virgin Mary. It was also an emblem of Whitsuntide. According to legend it arose from the blood of Saint Leonard, spilled in battle with a dragon. Young leaves yield a pale yellow-green dye with a chrome mordant. Older leaves collected in the Autumn yield a gold dye.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

James Palmer

Description

Flowers pink.

USDA Hardiness Zone

3

Special characteristics

invasive, flower color, other ethnobotanical uses