Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial plant celebrated for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance. This woodland species is a popular ground cover in shady garden spots, forming spreading colonies through underground stems. After the blooms fade, the plant produces a temporary reproductive structure—the fruit—which holds the seeds and marks a change in the seasonal cycle.
The Fruit that Contains the Seeds
After the sweet-smelling, white flowers finish their display in late spring, small, round fruit structures begin to form along the central stalk. These fruits are technically berries that serve as the protective vessel for the developing seeds. They first appear green and inconspicuous, often hidden beneath the plant’s broad, lance-shaped leaves as summer progresses.
Over the summer months, the berries mature and transition to a striking orange-red or deep red hue, providing a contrasting splash of color against the dark green foliage. Each small, globoid berry measures approximately 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter, or roughly a quarter of an inch. The seeds are contained within the soft, pulpy flesh of these mature berries.
Visual Characteristics of the Seeds
Once extracted from the mature berry, Lily of the Valley seeds present a distinctive appearance that is different from the fruit’s bright exterior. These seeds are notably small, generally ranging in size from 1 to 3 millimeters wide. They are often described as being large relative to the size of the small berry that contains them.
The shape of the seeds can be somewhat irregular, though they are often generally round or slightly oblong. Their surface tends to be smooth and may appear somewhat translucent when fully dried. The color of the seeds varies slightly, but they are typically a pale yellow, tan, or light brownish color.
A single Lily of the Valley berry usually contains a small number of these seeds, typically between one and six. Many sources indicate an average closer to three or four seeds per berry. The seeds must be fully developed and ripe for them to be viable for germination, which coincides with the berry shriveling late in the season.
Toxicity and Handling Precautions
All parts of the Convallaria majalis plant are highly poisonous, including the seeds and the attractive berries. The plant contains potent cardiac glycosides, such as convallatoxin, which directly affect heart function. Ingestion of even a small amount, such as one to five berries, can lead to severe health issues, particularly for small children and household pets.
Symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal distress like nausea and vomiting, as well as more serious cardiovascular effects like an irregular or very slow heartbeat. Due to this concentrated danger, extreme caution is warranted when handling the berries and seeds. If you must handle the fruit to collect seeds or for garden maintenance, it is highly recommended to wear gardening gloves to prevent any contact with the sap or flesh. If accidental ingestion is suspected, immediately contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention.