Native Plant Alternatives to Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Native Plant Alternatives to Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis, better known as Lily of the Valley, charms with its dainty bell-shaped blooms and sweet perfume. But behind its innocent looks lies an aggressive spreader that’s not native to much of North America—and can cause real trouble in the garden and beyond.

Native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the southern reaches of North America, Lily of the Valley thrives in shade and moist soils. However, it spreads via underground rhizomes, forming dense colonies that push out native wildflowers and groundcovers. It’s officially listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States and is discouraged for use in natural or unmanaged landscapes.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, invasive species contribute to the decline of 42% of endangered and threatened species in the U.S. Plants like Lily of the Valley compete fiercely for sunlight, water, and nutrients—choking out natives, degrading habitats, and even increasing soil erosion in sensitive woodland ecosystems.

Worse still, once it’s in your garden, getting rid of Lily of the Valley is no small feat. Its brittle rhizomes snap easily, and even a tiny piece left in the soil can regenerate. Eradication may require years of digging, smothering, or soil solarization—none of which is fun.

That’s why planting native plants is such a smart move. Native plants are naturally adapted to local conditions and don’t need much pampering. They rarely require pesticides or fertilizers, are less thirsty, and most importantly, they don’t take over the neighborhood. Even better, they support pollinators, birds, and local wildlife, forming the backbone of resilient ecosystems.

In addition, Lily of the Valley is a highly toxic plant that contains cardiac glycosides, which can be dangerous if ingested. Learn more here: Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you.

By choosing well-behaved, beautiful native groundcovers and perennials, you’re not only making gardening easier—you’re actively helping to preserve biodiversity in your region. And best of all, you’ll never have to battle an underground rhizome invasion again.