Pronounced (approximate): kon-vah-LAIR-ee-ah mah-JAY-lis
White bells hang along one side of an arching stalk. Broad leaves rise directly from the ground.
European Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Asparagaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms May–June
Height 4 to 10 inches
Habitat part shade, shade; average to moist disturbed soil; deciduous woods, floodplains, old homesteads,
Common names: European Lily-of-the-valley
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, shade; average to moist disturbed soil; deciduous woods, floodplains, old homesteads,. Flowering season: May–June.
Canada Mayflower has small starry flowers, not hanging bells. European Lily-of-the-valley is a spreading garden escape.
White bells hang along one side of an arching stalk.
Broad leaves rise directly from the ground.
Round berries turn orange-red after flowering. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
13 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Introduced in North America; native to Europe.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, AR, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing European Lily-of-the-valley in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.