Appearance

Convallaria majalis is a perennial herbaceous rhizomatous plant that grows up to 12 in (30 cm) tall. It is native to Asia and Europe. Some sources list it as nonnative to North America and others list it as native.

Foliage

The paired leaves are long elliptics growing up to 16.7 in (50 cm) long. Leaves are deciduous.

Flowers

The bell like dainty white flowers are held on erect racemes and have a strong, sweet perfume and bloom in the spring.

Fruit

The fruits are red berries.

Ecological Threat

C. majalis spreads quickly because of rhizomes which can form extensive colonies. It can tolerate full sun to full shade but prefers partial shade. Rich well drained moist soil is its preference. It has been planted extensively as an ornamental. Where it has escaped cultivation and spread into natural areas it can be invasive. It can spread by seed and rhizomes.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
• Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. 1997. Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, Wisconsin. 102pp.
• Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin
• Non-Native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia
• Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References