Definition

Noun: * A low-growing perennial plant (Convallaria majalis) having usually two large, oblong, lance-shaped leaves and a raceme of small, fragrant, nodding, bell-shaped white flowers followed by scarlet berries. It is a woodland plant known for its sweet scent.

Examples of Usage

• The bride's bouquet was made of simple lily of the valley.
• In spring, the forest floor was carpeted with lily of the valley.
• The delicate scent of lily of the valley filled the garden.

Advanced Usage

• "Lily-of-the-valley" as a modifier: The term is often used attributively (with hyphens) to describe things resembling the plant or its qualities.
  • She wore a dress in a lovely lily-of-the-valley white.
  • The perfume had a distinct lily-of-the-valley note.

Variants and Related Words

• May lily: A common alternative name for lily of the valley, referring to its typical blooming period.
• Convallaria: The botanical genus name for lily of the valley.
• Wood lily: A general term sometimes used, though it can refer to other woodland lily species.

Synonyms

• May lily (as mentioned above).
• Our Lady's tears: An old-fashioned or poetic name referencing a legend about the plant's origin.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "lily of the valley" refers specifically to the plant . It is not a true lily (genus ) but belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).
• All parts of the lily of the valley plant are poisonous if ingested.

Noun

1. low-growing perennial plant having usually two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of small fragrant nodding bell-shaped flowers followed by scarlet berries