Lily-of-the-valley
Convallaria majalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lily-of-the-valley is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Lily-of-the-valley is a low-growing perennial groundcover with fragrant white bell-shaped flowers in spring. It forms neat colonies through underground rhizomes and produces bright green heart-shaped leaves that create a uniform carpet effect.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lily-of-the-valley takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Highly toxic to children and pets
- Can become invasive and spread aggressively
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets, so wildlife browsing is limited.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Lily-of-the-valley and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.