May 24

Birth Flower

Lily of the Valley
May Bells Our Lady's Tears

Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis
Family: Asparagaceae

Flower Language

  • Return of happiness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Asparagaceae family widely distributed from Europe to Asia, producing pure white bell-shaped flowers in May. Also known as May bells or Our Lady's tears, it is renowned for its sweet fragrance. In Britain and France, there's a tradition that giving lily of the valley on May Day brings happiness. However, the entire plant contains strong toxins, requiring careful handling.

Trivia

  • Beloved as Finland's national flower
  • Fatal accidents from drinking water containing the flowers
  • Alternative name means 'shadow grass of nobility'
  • Inspired Dior's perfume 'Muguet'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Ground cover in gardens
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Enjoyed as potted plants
  • Planting in shade gardens
Medicinal

Caution: Should absolutely avoid medicinal use due to strong toxicity in entire plant

Culinary

Not edible (toxic)

Other
  • Raw material for perfumes
  • Bridal bouquets
  • Symbolic uses

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Roots, Flowers, Leaves, Berries

Symptoms: Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blood pressure drop, arrhythmia, and risk of death from heart failure with large amounts.

Verbena
Vervain

Scientific Name: Verbena bonariensis
Family: Verbenaceae

Flower Language

  • Family harmony

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Verbenaceae family native to South America, introduced to Japan during the Taisho period. It blooms beautiful flowers for extended periods from spring to autumn and is actively used in gardening. Available in abundant flower colors including purple, pink, white, and red, the charming clusters of small flowers attract visiting insects like butterflies and bees. Heat-tolerant and relatively easy to grow.

Trivia

  • Relatively new horticultural plant introduced to Japan in Taisho period
  • Attracts many pollinating insects like butterflies and bees
  • Often treated as annual but originally perennial
  • Often self-seeds and spreads naturally

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted in flower beds
  • Hanging baskets
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Used as ground cover
Medicinal
  • Traditionally considered to have sedative effects
  • Sometimes used as herbal tea

Caution: Medical effects not proven, medicinal use should be approached with caution

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Used as dried flowers
  • Potpourri ingredient
  • Butterfly attracting plant

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported