
(
Convallaria majalis), fragrant perennial herb and only species of the genus
Convallaria of the family Ruscaceae, native to Eurasia and eastern North America. Lily of the valley has nodding, white, bell-shaped flowers that are borne in a cluster on one side of a leafless stalk. The glossy leaves, usually two, are located at the base of the plant. The fruit is a red berry, and the rootstock creeps horizontally below the ground. Lily of the valley is cultivated in shaded garden areas in many temperate parts of the world. The plants often grow closely together, forming a dense mat.