Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis L.
				Family: Liliaceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: Perennial herb with 2-3 leaves that are up to 6 in long with parallel veins. The flowers are very fragrant, bell-shaped, and white. The fruit is an orange berry with 1-3 seeds. These plants tend to form dense colonies. The plants can be mistaken for Allium tricoccocum, also known as ramps. However, lily of the valley grows from a rootstock whereas ramps grow from an onion like bulb. Toxic Part: The entire plant is toxic. Toxin: The toxic compounds are convallatoxin, convallarian, and convallamarin which are cardiac glycosides. Symptoms: Symptoms following ingestion include general gastrointestinal distress with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Additionally, there may be bradycardia and hypotension. C. majalis may be mistaken for Allium tricoccum. A. tricoccocum, also known as "ramp", is a wild relative of the leek and is edible. Treatment: Vomiting should be induced and stomach pumping performed. In some reported cases patients have been given atropine and lidocaine to reverse the slowed heart beat and low blood pressure in addition to the supportive care for the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. References: 45, 67, 100, 105 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.