The lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a recognizable garden plant favored for its small, fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. Despite its delicate appearance, this perennial is universally toxic, containing potent compounds in every part—from its roots to its flowers and red berries. Understanding the risks associated with this plant is important for anyone who encounters it in a garden or natural setting.
Immediate Effects of Skin Contact
Touching the leaves or flowers of the lily of the valley rarely causes a severe reaction, but it can lead to localized irritation. The plant contains toxins, and direct contact with the sap, particularly when leaves or stems are crushed, can transfer these substances to the skin. This exposure may trigger a mild rash or localized allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
The typical reaction involves symptoms such as redness, itching, bumps, or small blisters on the exposed skin. These dermal effects are usually temporary and confined to the area of contact, resolving quickly once the skin is thoroughly washed. Gardeners are advised to be mindful when handling the plant, especially if they have cuts or abrasions, which could allow for slightly greater absorption.
Understanding the Internal Toxicity
The primary danger of the lily of the valley is ingestion, which introduces cardiac glycosides into the body. These compounds are present in all parts of the plant and are responsible for severe systemic effects. Ingesting any portion, even the water from a vase containing the cut flowers, can lead to serious poisoning.
The mechanism of toxicity involves the interference of these glycosides with the heart’s electrical system and cellular function. Specifically, they inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase pump (Na+/K+-ATPase), a protein responsible for maintaining the correct balance of ions across heart muscle cell membranes. By blocking this pump, the concentration of sodium ions inside the heart cells increases.
This rise in internal sodium levels leads to an accumulation of calcium ions within the cardiac muscle cells. This buildup causes disorganized and erratic electrical activity, resulting in dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, a slow heart rate (bradycardia), or even collapse.
Symptoms of severe poisoning usually begin with gastrointestinal distress, including intense nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. As the toxins affect the nervous system, a person may also experience neurological issues like headache, confusion, and visual disturbances. The combination of heart rhythm abnormalities and low blood pressure demands immediate medical intervention.
Essential First Aid and Prevention
If you have only touched the lily of the valley, the immediate and most effective action is to wash the exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water to remove any lingering sap or residue. This simple step is usually sufficient to prevent or minimize the mild skin irritation that may occur. For any persistent rash or discomfort, over-the-counter anti-itch creams may provide relief.
If any part of the plant, including leaves, flowers, or berries, has been swallowed, or if ingestion is even suspected, you must immediately contact the national toll-free Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or emergency services. When contacting them, be prepared to provide the person’s age, weight, and the amount and part of the plant that was ingested. It is important not to attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by medical professionals.
To prevent accidental exposure, especially in households with small children or pets, wearing gloves when gardening around lily of the valley is a practical measure. Proper supervision is always advised, as the small red berries that appear in the fall can be particularly attractive to children. Educating family members about the plant’s toxicity helps ensure its beauty can be appreciated safely from a distance.