Lily of the valley: blooming pure bells
By Li Yujun

Lily of the valley is the national flower of Finland. Accompanied by the spring breeze of May, it blooms almost everywhere in the country, beneath shade trees, on steep banks or against a foundation. Its flowers are delicate and white, shaped like small bells. Its glossy leaves, usually two, are located at the base of the plant, and it grows red berries. 

Lily of the valley became the national flower of Finland in 1967. /VCG Photo

Lily of the valley became the national flower of Finland in 1967. /VCG Photo

Lily of the valley are delicate and white and shaped like small bells. /VCG Photo

Lily of the valley are delicate and white and shaped like small bells. /VCG Photo

Its glossy leaves, usually two, are located at the base of the plant. /VCG Photo

Its glossy leaves, usually two, are located at the base of the plant. /VCG Photo

Its fruit is a red berry. /VCG Photo

Its fruit is a red berry. /VCG Photo

Lily of the valley is the bride's favorite. /VCG Photo

Lily of the valley is the bride's favorite. /VCG Photo

People believe that it brings luck to love. /VCG Photo

People believe that it brings luck to love. /VCG Photo

It is said that lily of the valley were the tears of the Virgin Mary when mourning Jesus. /VCG Photo

It is said that lily of the valley were the tears of the Virgin Mary when mourning Jesus. /VCG Photo

Native to Eurasia and eastern North America, lily of the valley is a shade-loving groundcover plant with a dense root system. Once planted, it will quickly settle in and start growing. The plants often grow closely together, forming a dense mat. From spring to fall, lily of the valley will keep landscaped areas looking neatly maintained with little or no attention. 

Although lily of the valley has pure flowers and cute berries, all parts of it contain cardiac glycosides poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals when ingested.  

In terms of "language of flowers", the lily of the valley signifies the return of happiness. It is usually used in weddings in the bridal bouquet. 

Lily of the valley is alternatively called Our Lady's tears and Mary's tears, since it is said that the flowers were the tears of the Virgin Mary when mourning Jesus.

About 'Plants & Nations' 

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries. 

For more articles and pictures, please click here:

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(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi)

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