Woodland plants · Convallaria majalis
Discover lily of the valley
Do those tiny bells ring? Puschel looks curiously at the lily-of-the-valley. Flauschi reminds him to leave this poisonous plant untouched.
The short answer
Usually two broad leaves grow together. White bell-like flowers hang along one side of a stem. Lily-of-the-valley is poisonous and can be confused with other plants. Observe without tasting.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
Puschel“They look like tiny bells!” whispers Puschel. Flauschi nods and leads him past without touching the poisonous plant.
Puschel waits for a bell sound. Everything stays quiet. Flauschi“That is their shape, not music,” Flauschi says with a smile. They watch the hanging white flowers from the path. Because the whole plant is poisonous, it becomes neither a toy nor something to taste.
Plant clues
Three things to notice
Broad leaves
Usually two broad leaves grow close together.
White bells
Small white bell-shaped flowers hang along one side of a stem.
Red berries later
Red berries may follow later. Every part of the plant is poisonous.
Mini quiz
What do you remember?
1. What shape are lily-of-the-valley leaves?
Choose one answer: a), b) or c).
- a)Broad leaves
- b)Fine, pinnate leaves
- c)Narrow needles
Show answer
Correct answer: a): Broad leaves Broad leaves
2. What does the German name Maiglöckchen, little May bells, describe?
Choose one answer: a), b) or c).
- a)That they ring in the wind
- b)Their bell-like shape
- c)That they may be picked as toys
Show answer
Correct answer: b): Their bell-like shape Their bell-like shape
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Why are the later berries not sweets?
After flowering, lily of the valley flowers may develop into red fruits containing seeds. Flowers and fruits are different stages in the same plant’s life. Its bell-like flower shape says nothing about whether the plant is safe.
Compare and understand
All parts are poisonous, including the red berries. Do not pick or taste them. Broad green leaves can also be misleading, for example if mistaken for wild garlic. Tell an adult immediately if someone may have eaten any; they should obtain expert advice rather than try home remedies.