Leaves
Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis L. · May lily · Polish: Konwalia majowa
Deadly poisonous
How to identify it
- Leaf blade lance-shaped to elliptical, with a pointed tip and arching veins.
- The leaves do not smell of garlic when crushed (unlike wild garlic).
- White, rounded bell-shaped flowers hanging downwards (May–June).
- Red berries 8–12 mm, ripening around September–October.
Where it grows
Broadleaved and mixed woodland and scrub, where it often forms extensive colonies.
What not to confuse it with
Wild garlic Edible
Young lily of the valley leaves are mistaken for wild garlic — check the smell of every leaf.
Frequently asked questions
What can Lily of the valley be confused with?
Wild garlic: Young lily of the valley leaves are mistaken for wild garlic — check the smell of every leaf.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Konwalia majowa
- pacjent.gov.pl: Co robić w przypadku zatrucia (20.04.2022)
- BfR: Bärlauch – Verwechslungen führen häufig zu Vergiftungen (04.04.2023)
- Rozporządzenie Ministra Środowiska z 9 października 2014 r. w sprawie ochrony gatunkowej roślin (Dz.U. 2014 poz. 1409)
Last checked: 9 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to us.