Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis

Toxic

A sweet May bell that is a foxglove cousin — perfume, not a homemade heart drop.

Handle as a poison-garden specimen. See Safety before any use.

Convallatoxin is a cardiac glycoside. Victorian 'lily of the valley drops' for the heart belong in a museum. The whole plant, including the water in a vase, has poisoned children. This is a shade-garden teaching specimen beside foxglove and oleander.

Flavor

Do not taste. The flowers smell of sweetness; that is not an invitation.

Parts used

None for self-care.

In favor

Unmistakable May scent
A paired lesson with foxglove

Against

Fatal in small amounts
Vase water is not safe
Spreads into a patch children sit in