How much sun does Wild Lily-of-the-valley need?

Wild Lily-of-the-valley grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Wild Lily-of-the-valley bloom?

Wild Lily-of-the-valley blooms in June and July.

Where is Wild Lily-of-the-valley native?

Wild Lily-of-the-valley (Pyrola elliptica) is native to AZ, CT, DE, IA and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Wild Lily-of-the-valley attract?

Wild Lily-of-the-valley draws bees and beetles.

Is Wild Lily-of-the-valley HOA-friendly?

Wild Lily-of-the-valley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Wild Lily-of-the-valley

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pyrola elliptica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Wild Lily-of-the-valley (Pyrola elliptica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CT, DE, IA and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Wild lily-of-the-valley is a low-growing native wildflower with glossy evergreen leaves arranged in a basal rosette. It produces delicate white, bell-shaped flowers on short stems in early summer. This woodland plant spreads slowly to form small colonies in shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wild 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.

Very small stature makes it nearly invisible in typical landscaping
Woodland wildflower appearance may be seen as unmaintained
Slow spread and low profile don't create formal garden look

Wildlife value

The fragrant flowers attract native bees and beetles during its June-July bloom period. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round ground cover in woodland settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Wild Lily-of-the-valley need?: Wild Lily-of-the-valley grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Wild Lily-of-the-valley bloom?: Wild Lily-of-the-valley blooms in June and July.
Where is Wild Lily-of-the-valley native?: Wild Lily-of-the-valley (Pyrola elliptica) is native to AZ, CT, DE, IA and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Wild Lily-of-the-valley attract?: Wild Lily-of-the-valley draws bees and beetles.
Is Wild Lily-of-the-valley HOA-friendly?: Wild Lily-of-the-valley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Wild Lily-of-the-valley? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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