The concept of a “flower of the month,” often called a birth flower, connects specific botanical species to the twelve calendar months. This tradition assigns a unique bloom to the time of year a person is born, similar to the custom of birthstones. The practice is not new, tracing its roots back to ancient Roman times where flowers blooming seasonally were thought to offer luck and protection. May possesses its own distinct floral representations that reflect its position as a period of profound spring growth and renewal.
May’s Primary Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley
The primary floral representative for May is the Lily of the Valley, scientifically known as Convallaria majalis. This perennial plant is a low-growing species that spreads via underground rhizomes, often forming dense colonies in the understory of woodlands. The plant is instantly recognizable by its short, slender stem bearing between five and 16 small, bell-shaped flowers.
These nodding, white flowers are famous for their intense and distinctly sweet fragrance, leading to the flower’s use in perfumery. The flower cluster, or raceme, is typically shorter than the two large, oblong, basal leaves that emerge from the soil. Convallaria majalis thrives best in moist, organically rich soil and prefers partially to fully shaded areas.
Despite its delicate appearance and delightful scent, the Lily of the Valley is notably toxic. The plant contains a high concentration of cardenolides, which are cardiac glycosides similar to those found in digitalis. All parts of the plant, including the attractive red berries that sometimes follow the flowers, are poisonous if consumed, potentially causing cardiac issues.
The Secondary Flower: Hawthorn
May also claims a second floral emblem, the Hawthorn, represented by various species in the genus Crataegus. Unlike the herbaceous Lily of the Valley, the Hawthorn is a large, deciduous shrub or a small tree.
The plant is frequently referred to as the “May-tree” because its profuse flowering marks the transition from spring to early summer. Its dense branches are typically covered in sharp thorns, which historically made it a popular choice for creating protective hedgerows. The blossoms appear as clusters of small flowers, generally white, though some species produce pink blooms.
Hawthorn is steeped in historical European folklore, particularly in Celtic traditions, where it was often associated with May Day celebrations. Its prominence in May festivities and its widespread distribution across Europe and North America cemented its place as a recognized birth flower for the month. The plant’s hardy nature and dense foliage also make it a valuable source of food and shelter for wildlife.
Meaning and Symbolism of May’s Blooms
The Lily of the Valley primarily represents a “return to happiness,” symbolizing the joy and renewal that spring fully brings. This meaning is often coupled with concepts of purity, humility, and sweetness, reflecting the plant’s pristine white flowers and drooping, modest posture.
The Hawthorn, by contrast, is a symbol of endurance, representing “hope” and “supreme happiness”. Its ancient association with May Day and the beginning of summer has also tied it to concepts of fertility and new beginnings. Historically, the Hawthorn was also considered a symbol of protection, often planted near homes to guard against misfortune. Together, the delicate happiness of the Lily of the Valley and the robust hope of the Hawthorn summarize the month’s theme of gentle, yet powerful, seasonal transition.