Lily of the Valley: Invasive Plant with a Deceptive Appearance
What is Lily of the Valley?
Lily of the valley is a perennial plant with delicate bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. It has long, narrow leaves and grows from underground stems called rhizomes. Lily of the valley is native to Europe and Asia, but has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America.
Invasive Tendencies
Lily of the valley can be an invasive plant, meaning it can spread aggressively and crowd out native plants. It does this by sending out rhizomes that form new plants. These rhizomes can spread quickly, creating large colonies of lily of the valley. The plant is especially invasive in shady, wooded areas with moist soil. It can also tolerate poor soil and dry conditions, making it difficult to control.
Pros and Cons of Planting Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley can be a beautiful and fragrant addition to a garden, but it’s important to be aware of its invasive potential before planting it.
Pros:
- Beautiful, bell-shaped flowers
- Fragrant blooms
- Tolerates shade and poor soil
Cons:
- Can be invasive and spread aggressively
- Difficult to control once established
- Toxic to humans and animals
Controlling Lily of the Valley
If you decide to plant lily of the valley, it’s important to take steps to control its spread. Here are some tips:
- Digging Rhizomes: Dig up the rhizomes with a shovel or spade. Be sure to remove all of the rhizomes, as even a small piece can generate a new plant.
- Cardboard and Mulch: Cover the area where the lily of the valley was growing with cardboard to block sunlight and prevent new rhizomes from growing. Leave the cardboard in place for at least six months. You can then cover the cardboard with mulch to camouflage it.
- Mowing: Mow the plants frequently to prevent them from producing seeds. This is a good way to control lily of the valley in your lawn.
- Containers: Grow lily of the valley in containers to prevent it from spreading into your garden.
- Herbicide: As a last resort, you can use an organic herbicide to control lily of the valley. Talk to your local extension service agent for recommendations.
Toxicity
All parts of lily of the valley are toxic to humans and animals. The berries are especially toxic, and can cause serious illness if ingested. It’s important to wear gloves when handling any part of the plant.
Conclusion
Lily of the valley is a beautiful plant, but it’s important to be aware of its invasive potential and toxicity before planting it. By taking steps to control its spread, you can enjoy the beauty of lily of the valley without worrying about it taking over your garden.
