Latin name: Convallaria keiskei Miq.
Flower language:
Delicate, hope, purity.
The flowers hang like a string of bells, emitting a clear and fragrant scent.
Classification system:
Class: Magnoliopsida – Magnolia
Order: Asparagales – Asparagus
Family: Asparagaceae – Asparagus family
Genus: Convallaria – Lily of the valley
Morphological characteristics:
The rhizome is slender and creeping;
Two leaves, elliptic leaf blades, acute at the apex, slightly narrow at the base;
The flower stem is tall, slightly curved outward; bracts lanceolate, membranous, shorter than the pedicel;
The flowers are milky white, broadly campanulate, and pendulous;
The berries are spherical, turning red when ripe;
Seeds are elliptical, flat, 4-6 in number.
Flowering period: May to June, fruiting period: June to July
Geographical distribution:
Native to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Distributed in Northeast China, North China, Northwest China, East China, and Central China.
It requires well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic sandy loam, but can also grow normally in neutral and slightly alkaline soils.
It mostly grows in deep mountain valleys, preferring cool, moist, and well-lit environments, strong cold resistance, and avoiding hot and dry conditions.
It is commonly propagated by division in autumn with rhizomes containing buds.
Main value:
Medicinal use: “Shaanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine” records: “This product is toxic, do not overdose. Acute myocarditis and endocarditis should not be used.”
It is used to treat congestive heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, paroxysmal tachycardia, edema, erysipelas, purpura, and bruises.
Ornamental value:
Planted for decoration on balconies, windowsills, or as an embellishment on desks, suitable for cultivation and ornamental use in flower beds, gardens, or forest edges.
The flowers can be used to extract essential oils.
Plant culture:
Known as the Lily of the Valley.
The beauty of the Lily of the Valley is loved by the naturally romantic French. Since the early 20th century, May 1st has been celebrated as “Lily of the Valley Day” in France.
In England, it is known as the “Lily of the Valley in the Valley,” and the Lily of the Valley is also known as the “Tears of a Lady” and other elegant names in England.
In China, the Lily of the Valley is called “Junying Grass,” reminiscent of the noble character praised by Confucius: “The orchid grows in the deep valley, not because there is no one there, but because it is fragrant; the gentleman cultivates himself and practices virtue, not because he is poor, but because he is upright.”