May Birth Flower - Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
The delicate, fragrant blooms symbolizing sweetness, purity, and happiness
About May's Birth Flowers
May is blessed with two beautiful birth flowers: the delicate Lily of the Valley with its sweet-scented bell-shaped blooms, and the Hawthorn with its clusters of white or pink flowers and rich symbolism in folklore and tradition.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in spring. Despite its delicate appearance and intoxicating fragrance, this plant contains potent cardiac glycosides, making it highly poisonous if ingested. Its name in Latin, "majalis," means "belonging to May," highlighting its traditional blooming period.
Hawthorn (Crataegus species), also known as May flower or May tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that produces clusters of white or pink flowers in late spring, followed by red berries called "haws" in autumn. It has been celebrated in European folklore for centuries and traditionally marks the arrival of spring, often being the centerpiece of May Day celebrations.
Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn Properties
Physical Properties
- Scientific Name: Lily of the Valley: Convallaria majalis / Hawthorn: Crataegus species
- Color: Lily of the Valley: White / Hawthorn: White or pink
- Bloom Season: Both bloom in May
- Growth Habit: Lily of the Valley: Woodland groundcover / Hawthorn: Shrub or small tree
- Fragrance: Lily of the Valley: Sweet, highly fragrant / Hawthorn: Sweet, mild fragrance
Symbolic Meaning
- Sweetness: Especially associated with Lily of the Valley's fragrance
- Purity: Represented by the white flowers of both plants
- Happiness: Both flowers symbolize joy and contentment
- Humility: Lily of the Valley's nodding blooms represent humility
- Hope: Both flowers herald the arrival of spring and new beginnings
- Protection: Hawthorn has long been associated with protective properties
Growing Conditions
- Lily of the Valley Light: Partial to full shade
- Lily of the Valley Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining
- Lily of the Valley Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7
- Hawthorn Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Hawthorn Soil: Adaptable to most soil types
- Hawthorn Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 (varies by species)
Care & Maintenance
- Lily of the Valley: Plant in partial to full shade in rich, moist soil
- Lily of the Valley: Water regularly during dry periods
- Lily of the Valley: Divide crowded plants in fall to maintain vigor
- Hawthorn: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil
- Hawthorn: Tolerant of most soil conditions once established
- Hawthorn: Prune in winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches
The Rich History of May's Birth Flowers
Lily of the Valley has a rich history dating back centuries. In Christian tradition, it is believed to have sprung from the tears of Mary as she wept at the crucifixion of Jesus, earning it the nickname "Mary's Tears." In the language of flowers popular during the Victorian era, Lily of the Valley represented a "return to happiness." It has long been a favorite in bridal bouquets, including those of royal brides like Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.
In France, there is a tradition called "La Fête du Muguet" (Lily of the Valley Day) celebrated on May 1st, where people give sprigs of Lily of the Valley to friends and loved ones as a symbol of good luck and happiness. This tradition dates back to 1561 when King Charles IX of France received a Lily of the Valley as a lucky charm and subsequently decided to present the flowers to the ladies of his court each year on the same day.
Hawthorn, also known as May flower or May tree, has been celebrated in European folklore for centuries. It traditionally marks the arrival of spring and was the centerpiece of May Day celebrations. In Celtic tradition, the Hawthorn was considered a sacred tree, believed to be inhabited by fairies and standing at the entrance to the otherworld.
In medieval times, Hawthorn was associated with protection and good fortune, often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits. However, it was also surrounded by superstitions - bringing the flowers inside the house was considered bad luck, except during May Day celebrations when it was specifically used for decoration. The Hawthorn's association with both protection and caution reflects its physical nature - beautiful, fragrant flowers growing alongside sharp, defensive thorns.
Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn Varieties
Both Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn come in several varieties, each with its own unique characteristics:
Convallaria majalis (Common Lily of the Valley)
The classic Lily of the Valley with fragrant white bell-shaped flowers. This is the most widely recognized variety, growing 6-12 inches tall with arching stems of delicate blooms.
Convallaria majalis 'Rosea'
A pink-flowered variety of Lily of the Valley. These rare and sought-after plants produce soft pink bells instead of the traditional white, but retain the same sweet fragrance.
Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata'
A variegated Lily of the Valley with white-striped foliage that adds visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn)
The most common Hawthorn species in Europe, featuring clusters of white flowers in spring followed by bright red berries (haws) in autumn. It's often used in hedgerows and has significant cultural importance.
Crataegus laevigata (Midland Hawthorn)
Similar to common Hawthorn but with less deeply lobed leaves. The 'Paul's Scarlet' cultivar of this species is particularly popular in gardens for its double pink-red flowers.
Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn)
A North American species with white flowers, glossy leaves that turn orange-red in fall, and persistent red berries that last through winter, providing food for birds.
Fascinating Facts About May's Birth Flowers
Fact #1
Despite its sweet fragrance and delicate appearance, Lily of the Valley is highly poisonous. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides that can cause heart irregularities if ingested.
Fact #2
Lily of the Valley is the national flower of Finland and was the floral emblem chosen by Christian Dior as the symbol for his fashion house.
Fact #3
May 1st is known as "Lily of the Valley Day" in France (La Fête du Muguet), when people traditionally give sprigs of the flower to friends and loved ones as a symbol of good luck.
Fact #4
Hawthorn berries (haws) are edible and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for heart health. Modern research has shown they contain compounds that may help improve cardiovascular function.
Fact #5
The wood of the Hawthorn tree is exceptionally hard and has been used to make tool handles and other implements requiring durability.
Fact #6
In many European traditions, bringing Hawthorn flowers inside the house was considered bad luck, except during May Day celebrations when it was specifically used for decoration.
Uses of May's Birth Flowers
Both Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn have been used in various ways throughout history, from decorative to medicinal purposes:
Lily of the Valley Uses
- Perfumery: The sweet, distinctive scent of Lily of the Valley is highly prized in perfumery. Since the flowers yield very little essential oil, most Lily of the Valley fragrances are created using synthetic compounds that mimic the flower's scent.
- Floral Arrangements: Despite their short blooming period, Lily of the Valley flowers are popular in wedding bouquets and special occasion arrangements, symbolizing purity and happiness.
- Medicinal (Historical): Historically, Lily of the Valley was used medicinally for heart conditions. Modern medicine has isolated the cardiac glycosides responsible for these effects, but the plant itself is now rarely used due to its toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives.
- Garden Design: In landscaping, Lily of the Valley is valued as a groundcover for shady areas, creating a carpet of green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring.
Hawthorn Uses
- Medicinal: Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for heart health. Modern research has shown they contain compounds that may help improve cardiovascular function.
- Culinary: Hawthorn berries can be used to make jellies, jams, and wines. The young leaves and flower buds are edible and were traditionally added to salads.
- Landscaping: Hawthorn trees and shrubs are popular in landscaping for their seasonal interest, with spring flowers, summer foliage, and autumn berries. They also provide valuable habitat and food for wildlife.
- Hedgerows: Hawthorn has been used for centuries in creating hedgerows and living fences. Its dense, thorny growth makes it effective for containing livestock and marking boundaries.
Cultural Significance
- Lily of the Valley is the national flower of Finland and has been featured on Finnish coins.
- In the language of flowers, Lily of the Valley represents sweetness, humility, and a "return to happiness."
- Hawthorn is deeply embedded in European folklore and was considered a threshold plant, marking the boundary between the ordinary world and the fairy realm.
- Both flowers are associated with May Day celebrations and the arrival of spring in various cultural traditions.
Connection to May's Birthstone
May's birth flowers share interesting connections with its birthstone, the emerald:
May's birth flower (Lily of the Valley) and birthstone (Emerald) both share green as their primary color, symbolizing growth and renewal.
Both May's birth flowers and birthstone are associated with happiness and good fortune.
The Hawthorn's white flowers complement the clarity and brilliance of May's emerald birthstone.
Like the valuable emerald, Lily of the Valley is rare and precious, blooming for only a short period each year.
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