What kind of leaf does the lily of the valley have? General information and characteristics

In May, spring fully comes into its own, gardens and forests are covered with greenery, and the air is filled with a fresh, exciting fragrance. This is the lily of the valley blooming, beloved by both gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts.

grassy perennial, first described by Carl Linnaeus, today can be found in the forest, it is used to decorate garden plots and early spring forcing, and is grown as a potted crop. Thanks to breeders, flower growers now have more than a dozen original varieties of lily of the valley at their disposal, which in the photo and description are strikingly different from their wild ancestor.

Classification of lily of the valley

The first description of lily of the valley as a genus belongs to Linnaeus. In the 18th century, the plant was classified as a lily and received the name Lilium convalium, which translated from Latin means “Lily of the Valley.” Then scientists more than once changed the affiliation of a culture to one or another section of the generally accepted classification.

On this moment lilies of the valley, like other plants well known to gardeners, for example, kupena, poultry and polyanthes, are part of the large Asparagaceae family. The modern name of the flower has also changed.

The lily of the valley today has become known as Convallaria or Convallaria. Among the people, lily of the valley is also known under other names, for example, forest bell, May or forest lily, gladysh, young, meadow cherry, dog tongue or hare ears.

Although botanists officially recognize only the European variety of May Lily of the Valley, populations growing in the north and east of Asia, as well as on the North American continent, are increasingly recognized as independent.

At the same time, differences in the appearance of plants are minimal, however, the significant remoteness of habitats and the lack of connection between them - good reason to talk about the presence of three, and sometimes even four varieties of lily of the valley:

• May lily of the valley (C. majalis), found almost everywhere on the European continent;
• Keiske's lily of the valley (C. keiskei) growing on Far East, in China and Mongolia, and also found in the west of Hindustan.
• mountain lily of the valley (C. montana), which occupies wooded areas in the eastern United States;
• Transcaucasian lily of the valley (C. transcaucasica), growing in the Caucasus, Transcaucasia, including the territory of Turkey.

Where does lily of the valley grow

Lily of the valley is unpretentious, we have excellent adaptability, so we managed to get along in a variety of climatic zones And natural conditions. At the same time, there is a plant everywhere:

• exhibits high shade tolerance;
• prefers soils rich in nutrients;
• does not tolerate drought well.

In nature, lily of the valley can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, less often in pine forests. The rapid development of the aboveground part and flowering occurs at a time when the soil is still filled with melt water, the foliage on trees and shrubs has not yet fully opened, and the grass has not risen. In such conditions, overwintering rhizomes provide the perennial with everything necessary for growth. And within a few years, in place of just a few rosettes of smooth oblong-elliptical leaves, a dense clump appears.

Given the ability to capture new territories, in gardens where lily of the valley grows, the area for it must be strictly limited. Otherwise, the plant may crowd out other useful crops in a few seasons.

Despite their endurance and adaptability, all wild varieties of lily of the valley are under threat of extermination. The reason is not only the beauty of the flowers and the strong aroma, but also beneficial properties plants. Therefore, in Russia, and in a number of European countries and in the American state of Kentucky, the species is taken under official protection.

What does lily of the valley look like: description of the plant

The blooming lily of the valley is well known to many. However, the perennial herbaceous crop is not only graceful bell flowers and leathery smooth leaves.

Most of plants, namely branched powerful root system, hidden shallow underground. Thanks to the horizontal light brown rhizomes and numerous small roots extending from them, lily of the valley:

• winters well and even when the soil freezes it quickly recovers;
• one of the first to wake up with the onset of spring warmth,
• successfully reproduces vegetatively.

The above-ground part of the plant consists of shortened shoots and a rosette of leaves. Moreover, the lowest, undeveloped leaf plates are often located under the soil layer. As it grows, true leaves appear. First, they are rolled into a dense tube, which gradually rises above the ground and opens. The wide-lanceolate smooth leaf blades are colored rich green, have longitudinal venation and pointed tips.

When two or three leaves are fully formed, the development of the bud begins, turning into a slender flowering shoot bearing from 6 to 20 rounded buds at once. The height of the plant depends on the type and variety. Wild plants, as a rule, are more modest than garden specimens, and European lilies of the valley, not exceeding 15–20 cm, are lower than their Asian and Transcaucasian counterparts, which grow up to 30–50 cm in height.

Since flowering occurs on buds laid in the previous season, its splendor depends on the quality of care and the growth conditions created for the lily of the valley.

In wild and many cultivated varieties, the perianths have a simple shape, resembling a miniature bell. Inside the rounded calyx, 4 to 9 mm high, there are six stamens and a short pistil.

The first lilies of the valley open on the lower part of the stem, then the turn of the middle and upper buds comes.

Depending on climatic and weather conditions, this can happen from the second ten days of May to June. On average, flowering lasts from two to three weeks.

How does lily of the valley reproduce?

If the weather is not too hot, white fragrant bells cover the entire cluster and do not wither for a long time, giving the opportunity to form a lot of ovaries. When lilies of the valley bloom, the air is filled with an incredibly strong fragrance. It is the smell that attracts many bees and other pollinators to the flowers.

The successful work of insects leads to the appearance of round berries, which increase in size as they ripen and change color from green to brown, and then, by mid-summer, to bright orange or red. Inside, the fruit is divided into three chambers containing 1–2 large seeds.

The berries are in no hurry to fall and often become food for birds and rodents. Thanks to this, lilies of the valley successfully appear where this plant has not been found before. However, this method of propagation is unlikely to be suitable for those who want to see lily of the valley flowers not in the photo, but in their own garden.

If lily of the valley is grown from seed, the plant will bloom only after 6–7 years. Therefore, flower growers prefer to use vegetative propagation crops using root cuttings.

After being moved to a new place, a strong division with the beginnings of leaf rosettes quickly takes root and, with proper care, will delight you with fragrant bell flowers within 1–2 years.

Types and varieties of lilies of the valley with photos of flowers

Graceful fragrant flowers have long attracted human attention. Long before Linnaeus, the lily of the valley was known to the peoples who inhabited modern countries Europe, Russia, Asia. This is evidenced by the mention of the plant in the legends of the ancient Romans and Germans, Slavic tribes, as well as the use of the plant for medicinal purposes.

Since the 16th–17th centuries, when the fashion for bouquets and decorating costumes and hairstyles with flowers arose in France and other countries, lilies of the valley came in handy. Not only did they perform well when cut, but they also served as a natural flavoring agent, a kind of perfume that masked unpleasant odors.

The demand for flowers turned out to be so great that plants from the forest migrated to gardens and flower beds. Thanks to careful selection, large-flowered varieties of Convallaria grandiflora appeared already then. These plants stand out with slender flower stalks that rise above the green foliage and bear up to 20 large white buds.

Another achievement of breeders is the appearance of lilies of the valley, the flowers of which are colored not traditionally white, but in a soft pink or lilac shade. The photo gives a visual representation of what the lily of the valley Convallaria Rosea looks like.

Not wanting to stop at the result obtained, enthusiasts of this amazing spring crop created a group of varieties of Convallaria Prolificans with double corollas. The brushes of these plants look especially lush, while fully retaining their durability and wonderful aroma.

No less in demand among amateurs garden flowers Lilies of the valley with original foliage are used. These are variegated forms, the leaf blades of which, depending on the variety, are decorated with strokes, stripes or strokes of contrasting tones.

Garden lily of the valley variety Hardwick Hall is distinguished by leaves with a wide, heterogeneous border of yellow color.

Lily of the valley Albostriata plants are doubly decorative during flowering, and after it remain incredibly attractive thanks to their bright colors. sheet plates, covered with longitudinal stripes of a yellow tint.

Even more golden reflections on the leaves of the Aurea variety. On some leafy green leaves, the color remains only in the form of thin stripes, the rest is painted in milky yellow tones. The shoots bearing flowers can also be light, as in the photo of lily of the valley flowers.

Using lily of the valley

In the garden, lilies of the valley are actively used for landscaping areas under the canopy of trees and tall shrubs. May flowering allows the area to come to life while large plants have not yet reached full strength.

Perennial ground cover crop does not require special care, easily winters in the European part of Russia, goes well with such popular species as aquilegias, irises, and scillas that bloom somewhat earlier. At the same time, by mid-summer the decorative value of lilies of the valley decreases. To maintain the freshness of the foliage, the plant is watered, and experts recommend cutting off the remaining flower stalks with the resulting berries so as not to weaken next year’s flowering.

Lilies of the valley can be grown indoors, and you can also achieve early appearance of flowers by planting healthy rhizomes stored in the fall in a pot.

If lilies of the valley are collected for a bouquet, it is better to give preference to clusters that have not fully opened. Cutting is carried out in the morning or evening hours, when there is no direct sunlight. Due to the strong smell, lily of the valley flowers should not be left in living spaces, especially in children's rooms and bedrooms.

Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of the department. Botany RGAU-MSHA named after K.A. Timiryazeva

It would seem that everyone knows Lily of the Valley. Its gentle and touching bells with drops of dew will not leave anyone indifferent. Its name from some European languages ​​is translated as May bell (German: Maiglöckchen). Meanwhile, even the family to which he is classified is indicated differently in different books. Previously, it was traditionally classified as a member of the Liliaceae family, but now it has migrated to the Asparagus family. (Asparagaceae), and before that, for some time it was even classified as a separate family - Lily of the Valley.

This is perennial herbaceous plant. The underground organs are represented by a system of rhizomes with adventitious roots, so a whole clearing of lilies of the valley may initially turn out to be almost one plant. And so that there is at least some way of cross-pollination, and the flower does not pollinate itself, the lily of the valley has a phenomenon with a tricky botanical name - protoandry, translated into non-tanical language means that first the pollen ripens in the flower, but the pistil is not yet ready and self-pollination does not occur. And insects, primarily bees, spread pollen to other flowers. The fruit is a 2-6-seeded, round, orange-red berry. And here the second adaptation of the lily of the valley to active dispersal is manifested - its bright fruits are eaten by birds - for example, some species of thrushes, and after passing through themselves, they are carried over long distances.

Lily of the valley blooms in May-June; the fruits ripen in June-July.

A bouquet of lilies of the valley is universal; it can be presented for any celebration. In the language of flowers, lily of the valley means happiness and love, it seems to say “Happiness is very close and will definitely come.”

May lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) has a very large range, and several subspecies are distinguished: Transcaucasian lily of the valley (Convallariamajalis L . var. transcaucasica(Utkin ex Grossh.) Knorring), growing in the North Caucasus and Keizke's lily of the valley (Convallariamajalis L. var. keiskei(Miq.) Makino), found in the south of the Far East. May lily of the valley Keizke - Convallaria majalis L. var. keiskei (Miq.) Makino, now refers to a special species - Keizke's lily of the valley ( Convallaria keiskei Miq.). Although this division is not recognized by all botanists. But all of them are prepared for further use in medicine.

Lily of the valley prefers moderately moist habitats, but is also found sporadically in a wider ecological range - from meadow-steppe to swamp-meadow degrees of moisture, which makes it a valuable ornamental plant for shaded and waterlogged areas. The lily of the valley's attitude to light depends on its growing zone: the further south you go and the hotter the climate, the more it loves shade. In the northern part of its range, lily of the valley is a light-loving plant found mainly in open places. In the south, lily of the valley is more shade-tolerant. But in any case, with very strong shading, the number of generative shoots of the lily of the valley decreases, and it practically stops blooming.

On the site, it is better to plant it on neutral and slightly alkaline soils, loose and rich in organic matter.

Medicinal properties of lily of the valley

In medicine, the above-ground part (grass) collected in the flowering phase is used, as well as the leaves of the May lily of the valley (including Keizke's lily of the valley). And here you must always remember that the sweet and gentle lily of the valley can be deadly.

For centuries, herbalists have considered the roots of the lily of the valley plant to treat weak hearts, shortness of breath, tachycardia and extrasystole.

In Germany, it is very fashionable to choose a plant of the year in a certain category. There is a nomination for “Medicinal Plant of the Year,” but the lily of the valley received a completely different nomination, “Poisonous Plant of the Year,” in 2014 (and this year Californian eschscholzia reigns in this nomination). And if you think about it, this delicate and touching flower really poses a serious danger if you get to know it closely, like any plant containing cardiac glycosides. According to its properties, it is related to foxglove, hellebore and strophanthus, which are used for heart failure and, accordingly, belongs to those plants independent use which are not allowed! For centuries, many herbalists and doctors have considered lily of the valley safer than foxgloves. But this is only partly true. If used improperly, lily of the valley can also be very dangerous. And you should always remember that a plant is a living organism, and depending on growing conditions and weather, the content of potent cardiac glycosides can be within very wide limits.

Lily of the valley has three types of medicinal raw materials: leaf, grass and flowers.

In the Middle Ages, it was readily used in Europe for heart failure, edema and many other diseases. But then it was completely replaced by foxglove. S.P. was introduced into Russian scientific medicine. Botkin. And in the 20th century he returned from Russia to European medicine again.

The raw material of lily of the valley is poisonous, and its introduction into other types of medicinal plants is unacceptable.

The aerial parts of lily of the valley contain up to 40 cardiac glycosides, the main ones being convallotoxin, desglucocheirotoxin, convalloside, etc. The cardiac glycosides of lily of the valley are not identical to the glycosides of lily of the valley.

Lily of the valley glycosides are characterized by low stability and do not have a cumulative effect, that is, they practically do not accumulate in the body and are eliminated quite quickly. Lily of the valley preparations increase heart contractions, but slow down their rhythm, increase urination, relieve pain, shortness of breath, cyanosis and swelling.

As a result of laboratory studies, it was revealed that other glycosides that are not included in cardiac preparations also have very interesting effects. For example, Convallamaroside can reduce angiogenesis (that is, the proliferation of the vasculature) and has antitumor activity.

In lily of the valley preparations, the properties of an inhibitor of lipoxygenase, an iron-containing enzyme that catalyzes the dioxygenation reaction, that is, the addition of two oxygen atoms to polyunsaturated fatty acids, were also noted. And this is the peroxidation reaction that antioxidants fight.

Application in medicine

Tincture and extract of lily of the valley herb, as well as the crystalline glycoside Convallyatoxin and the novogalenic drug Korglikon, containing a sum of glycosides, are used for cardiac neuroses, as well as for cardiac failure.

But there is still an industry in which the use of lily of the valley is not so dangerous - homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines are characterized by very low concentrations active ingredients, and they are used in slightly different cases than in traditional herbal medicine. The range of applications ranges from throat diseases to kidney diseases.

The raw materials of Keizke's lily of the valley are used only for the preparation of herbal preparations and for the production of Convaflavin, used as an antihepatotoxic agent.

The aroma of lily of the valley is often found in perfumes. Who doesn’t remember the perfume “Silver Lily of the Valley”. But I hasten to disappoint - the smell is synthetic. Purchasing natural lily of the valley aroma is extremely expensive and ineffective. Therefore, this aroma is obtained by synthesizing coriander essential oil from semi-finished products.

Photo: Rita Brilliantova, Maxim Minin

(Convallaria majalis L.)

The healing properties of lily of the valley and preparations from it are widely used in scientific and folk medicine for the treatment of heart diseases. Preparations from lily of the valley normalize the activity of the heart and blood circulation, especially in cases of heart rhythm disturbances, heart defects, congestion, and have a general calming effect.

Medicines made from lily of the valley are used for:

• neuroses of the heart,
• cardiosclerosis,
• heart defects.
• heart failure.
• stomach diseases and intestinal colic,
• conjunctivitis.

May lily of the valley plant description

Lily of the valley is a genus of plants that was previously included in the Liliaceae family or in a separate Lily of the Valley family. Currently, as of 2013, the genus of lilies of the valley is part of the Asparagus family (Wikipedia). One main type of lily of the valley is known - May lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis L.) with several varieties.

It grows in the European part of Russia, as well as in the Caucasus, Eastern Siberia and the Far East in forests, forest edges, clearings, among bushes, and forest ravines. Lily of the valley is common in Western Europe and North America.

Description of the plant Lily of the valley is a perennial herbaceous plant 15 - 30 cm high with a thin horizontal branched creeping rhizome, from which many almost vertical rhizomes 1 - 2 cm long arise, forming leaves and flowers in the spring. Between two bright green oblong-elliptical leaves 10 - 20 cm long and 4 - 8 cm wide, there are from 6 to 20 white fragrant flowers on a bending triangular flower arrow. Lily of the valley flowers on arched pedicels - with a spherical-bell-shaped perianth with six stamens and a pistil.

Lily of the valley flowers do not contain nectar; they attract insects with a strong aroma and pollen. The plant is pollinated by bees and bumblebees and blooms in spring in May and June. After flowering, the leaves gradually die off, leaves appear again from perennial rhizomes the next year, and flower stalks are formed every 2-3 years.

The fruit of the lily of the valley is a spherical orange-red berry with 2 - 8 seeds that ripen in August - September. The brightly colored berries attract birds, which eat and distribute them.

For medicinal purposes, the grass, leaves, flowers - the entire above-ground part of the plant - are harvested. They are collected in May - June during the flowering period and quickly dried in air in the shade with good ventilation or at a temperature of 50 - 60 ° C so that they do not darken. Fresh flowers of lily of the valley are also used to prepare medicines.

The Russian generic name "lily of the valley" - from the word "smooth, smooth" - is associated with the large smooth leaves of the plant. The scientific name of the genus Convallaria majaris in Latin means "lily of the valleys, blooming in May." In England, the lily of the valley is called “Lily of the Valley”.

Effect of lily of the valley preparations

The ground part of lilies of the valley - flowers and leaves contain more than 10 cardiac glycosides, an alkaloid, essential oil, and organic acids.

Preparations from lily of the valley normalize the rhythm and strength of heart contractions, relieve pain in the heart area, shortness of breath, act as a diuretic, relieving cyanosis and swelling, and act as a sedative hypnotic.

Having a selective effect on the heart, lily of the valley glycosides are characterized by low stability and do not accumulate in the body with prolonged use, therefore they do not have a toxic effect and are prescribed even to children and pregnant women.

Lily of the valley tincture:

— Fill the container 3/4 full with fresh lily of the valley flowers, then fill to the top with 90% alcohol. Infuse in a dark, cool place for 2 - 3 weeks. Take 20 drops 5 times a day with water. Children - from 1 to 12 drops.

Infusion of dried flowers of lily of the valley:

— Brew 1 tablespoon of dried flowers with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes under the lid. Take 1 tbsp. spoon every 2 hours.

This infusion washes the eyes when conjunctivitis.

For extrasystole, it is useful to take the following mixture:

• valerian - 10 ml,
• May lily of the valley tincture – 10 ml,
• hawthorn extract – 5 ml,
• menthol - 0.05 ml.

Take 20-30 drops 3 times a day. Extrasystole- disturbance of heart rhythm, extraordinary contractions of the heart.

May lily of the valley is a well-known and often used medicinal plant.

In pharmacies there are pharmacological preparations from lily of the valley - tincture and drops of Zelenin, used as a sedative for cardiac and other forms of neuroses; cardiotonic drugs - tincture and "Korglikon" - solution for injection; the drug "Convaflavin" in tablets is used for cholecystitis, cholangitis as a choleretic agent.

Warning:

Lily of the valley is a poisonous plant! The plant contains convallatoxin. Children should not pick flowers and berries; they should wash their hands after touching the plants.

Why is lily of the valley dangerous? Lily of the valley preparations contain potent substances, an overdose of which can cause poisoning. In case of poisoning, nausea, tinnitus, palpitations, slow pulse, and general weakness appear.

During treatment, you must follow the doctor’s recommendations and strictly adhere to the permissible dosage of the drug.

Interesting facts about lily of the valley

The aroma of lilies of the valley is used in the perfume industry. It is difficult to obtain from flowers, and mainly in perfumery they use synthetic compounds that convey the aroma of lily of the valley well and are easier to prepare.

Lily of the valley is grown as a garden ornamental plant starting from the 16th century. Garden lilies of the valley have wider leaves and large flowers, denser brushes of flowers. There are varieties with pink and double flowers, as well as variegated leaves. Forcing lilies of the valley is widely practiced - growing them in a shorter time for the holidays.

Lilies of the valley are favorite spring flowers among many peoples. In France, the Lily of the Valley Festival was held on the first Sunday of May; now Lily of the Valley Day is celebrated on May 1 along with Labor Day. On this day, people decorate homes and holiday tables with lilies of the valley, and congratulate each other with postcards with images of lilies of the valley.

The May lily of the valley was the favorite flower of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky once wrote about May lilies of the valley to his brother Modestus from Florence: “The mere sight of these lovely flowers that adorn my table at this moment is enough to instill a love of life.” The composer dedicated his poem to him: “O lily of the valley, why do you please the eyes so much?...”

This is so beautiful and useful spring plant May lily of the valley. Folk medicine has long used the wonderful healing properties of lily of the valley.

I suggest you look short video about the medicinal properties of lily of the valley:

Every spring in mid-May, the lily of the valley greets us with its fragrant white carved bells and pleases the eye.

Be healthy! Happy Spring!

Grow on personal plot The May lily of the valley plant is, on the one hand, simple and fascinating, but on the other hand, quite dangerous. This representative of forest flora is poisonous, although few people know about it. The green parts of the plant contain the strongest cardiac glycosides. When they hit large quantity into the human body can be fatal. Therefore, we advise you to read the botanical description

Convallaria majalis and the rules for its use in various spheres of human life.

It also talks about how forcing is carried out. It is known that the May lily of the valley can be easily made to bloom on the eve of the New Year or international women's day March 8. It is only important to follow agricultural techniques. And it is described in the appropriate section.

Look at the May lily of the valley in the photo showing different types plants on a personal plot and in forcing:

Botanical description of lily of the valley

Perennial plant from the Liliaceae family.

Homeland - Europe, Northern Asia, North America.

Other names are hare's antennae, juvenile, forest tongue.

The description of the May lily of the valley should begin with the fact that it is the most elegant and most fragrant of the early spring flowers. The name is translated from Latin as “lily of the valleys, blooming in May.” The appearance of the lily of the valley fully corresponds to this poetic name.

This is a perennial herbaceous polycarpic plant 15–30 cm high. The underground part of the plant is represented by a system of rhizomes with adventitious roots. The horizontal part of the rhizome has elongated, and the vertical part has shortened internodes.

A botanical description of the May lily of the valley would be incomplete without pointing out the fact that the above-ground part of the rhizome is formed by an annual shoot, which consists of a shortened axis with three to seven scale-like and one or two (rarely three) green lanceolate or oblong-elliptic leaves. The leaf sheaths are closed and form an aboveground false stem. A peduncle develops in the axil of the upper scale-like leaf.

The inflorescence is one-sided, racemose. Bracts membranous. Flowers number 3-13. The perianth is simple, corolla-shaped, white, clepalatal, rounded bell-shaped, 4-5 mm long and 3-9 mm wide, with six teeth. There are 6 stamens, their threads are attached to the base of the perianth. The gynoecium is syncarpous; carpels 3; single style, rounded-triangular, with tripartite stigma. Blooms in late May - early June. Flowering duration is 15-20 days. Each shoot blooms with a break of several years. Lily of the valley is pollinated by insects and wind.

Poisonous plant May lily of the valley and its leaves, flowers, fruits

The life of the poisonous plant May lily of the valley in the spring begins with the appearance of sprouts on the surface of the soil, similar to a thick awl. In this form, the lily of the valley is difficult to recognize; the sprouts are too different from an adult plant. But time passes, the sprout lengthens, its end turns green. And now the characteristic lily of the valley leaves have unfurled.

Now everyone can determine which plant is in front of them. Lily of the valley flowers appear later than the leaves. First, a peduncle stalk with small greenish ball-buds emerges. Then the buds turn white, and finally the wonderful, fragrant snow-white flowers open. Flowering occurs from bottom to top: the lowest flower blooms first. Lily of the valley does not bloom for long, especially in warm weather. Before you have time to look back, the flowers have already darkened, shriveled, and withered.

By autumn, the lily of the valley ripens fruits - orange berries the size of a pea. These beautiful berries, however, are completely inedible and, in addition, are also poisonous. They have a specific unpleasant taste, although they are sweetish.

The leaves of the May lily of the valley dry out quite early. At the time of golden autumn, when the forest is dressed in a colorful outfit, they lose their green color and become translucent, like parchment paper. In late autumn, nothing remains of the plant above the ground.

Lily of the valley overwinters in the form of a long, thin, matchstick-like rhizome located shallow in the soil. It is the rhizome in the spring that gives rise to those above-ground shoots like awls. Each sprout grows from a special bud. The end of the rhizome can for a long time grow in a horizontal direction, due to which the lily of the valley spreads in the forest.

Perhaps not everyone knows about one interesting feature Lily of the Valley: It has three types of leaves. One type is ordinary green leaves, familiar to everyone. The other is the scaly leaves that develop at the base of the regular green ones. The third is bracts in the form of very small scales, one for each flower, at the base of the peduncle.

The fruits of the May lily of the valley ripen in August - September. The fruit is a round orange-red berry with 2-6 seeds. Weight of 1000 seeds is about 20 g.

Growth

The May lily of the valley is widespread in the forest, forest-steppe and steppe zones of the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, and the Far East. In its western part, it extends from the Arctic Circle to almost the mouth of the Dnieper and Danube, to the east it narrows, wedging into the southern Cis-Urals along with broad-leaved forests. The northernmost location of the lily of the valley is the south of the Kola Peninsula. The second part of the range covers the western and central parts of the North Caucasus.

May lily of the valley grows on soils of different mechanical composition, more often on sandy loam and sandy soils with different acidity (pH 3.0-7.8). Humus content 0.7-13.5%; mobile forms of phosphorus - from 1 to 10, potassium - 1.5 - 20 mg per 100 g of soil. Lily of the valley prefers (especially in the northern part of its range) rather rich neutral and slightly acidic soils.

In the northern part of the range, conditions of fresh meadow moisture are favorable for lily of the valley, and in the southern part - intense damp meadow moisture.

Within its growing area, the lily of the valley’s relationship to lighting conditions also changes. Lily of the valley can withstand illumination of 1.5-90% total radiation. This is a light-loving plant in the north and shade-tolerant in the south.

Lily of the valley is often a component of the grass cover of broad-leaved, small-leaved and coniferous forests. It often dominates the grass cover of birch, aspen, oak and linden forests, forming lily of the valley forest types. It is also characteristic of the herbaceous cover of complex pine forests, but is also found in other types of pine forests, even in lichen and sphagnum pine forests, in mixed oak-pine and hornbeam-pine forests and in complex spruce forests. In the forest-steppe and steppe zones, lily of the valley grows in floodplain and ravine forests, along the bottom of ravines and on slopes of northern and western exposure. Occasionally settles in water meadows. In the Caucasus, it is abundant in oak, oak-pine, hornbeam and chestnut-oak forests, as well as in floodplain broad-leaved forests.

May lily of the valley is a forest anthropogenically declining plant. Generative shoots of lily of the valley are intensively exterminated by the population, and this, of course, negatively affects the state of the population as a whole, which ceases to rejuvenate due to regularly appearing shoots. Nevertheless, the plant exhibits significant resistance under conditions of heavy trampling, but the lily of the valley cannot tolerate prolonged intensive trampling and extermination and gradually falls out of the herbaceous layer. In the reserve it is found occasionally under the canopy of valley forests. Grows in small groups with an abundance of 1-2.

Reproduction

Lily of the valley reproduces mainly vegetatively, when, when old sections of the rhizome die off, the previously intact individual breaks up into individual plants; Thus, the lily of the valley captures new territories. The growth rate of the rhizome reaches more than 80 cm per year, the maximum age of the rhizomes exceeds 40 years.

When propagated by seeds in nature, it blooms in the seventh year of life.

Seed propagation in natural conditions is important in the development of new habitats: seeds are carried by birds and animals living in the ground that eat fruits with seeds. Some of the seeds that have passed through the animal’s food tract retain their germination and, when they enter places of disturbed phytocenoses, favorable conditions For germination and rooting, developed plants are sometimes produced from seeds.

Lily of the valley shoots grow in late April - early May. During the growing season, lily of the valley forms one generation of leaves, their lifespan is 3-4 months. The inflorescence is laid in the year preceding flowering, in early July. In autumn, the inflorescence in the bud is completely formed.

Forcing lily of the valley in May

You can admire lily of the valley not only in May, but at any time of the year, as it is easy to force. In autumn, rhizomes of garden lilies of the valley with well-developed flower buds are selected. By appearance such a bud is blunt-pointed, thick, directed upward from the rhizome. Forest lilies of the valley are not very suitable for forcing, as they produce small flowers or do not bloom at all.

For forcing, the rhizomes of May lilies of the valley are dug up in the garden after the first autumn frosts. It is more convenient to do this with a pitchfork, then the earth wakes up through the teeth. The central flower buds (they are thick and blunt) are separated from the lateral vegetative ones; the largest of them are taken for early forcing, the rest - for more late dates. Place them head to head, tie them into bundles of 25–30 pieces and trim all the roots by about a third. Before planting for forcing, rhizomes are buried vertically in sand or peat in boxes and stored in greenhouses or a cool room. Plants selected for early forcing are lightly moistened from time to time; with the onset of cold weather, they are transferred to the basement after a short freezing at a temperature of minus 5–6 °C. Freezing makes forcing easier and promotes more abundant flowering. During storage in the basement, rhizomes should not be watered.

The first forcing can begin in December. The roots of rhizomes taken for planting are cut off, leaving them 12 cm long, and immersed for 12–16 hours in water at a temperature of plus 32–35 °C. This speeds up flowering by 6–8 days. After the bath, the rhizomes are planted in pots with a diameter of 10–12 cm, 5–6 each, or in boxes of 25–30 pieces with a mixture of peat, turf land and moss, cover with moss on top, place in a dark place with a temperature of 25–30 °C and spray frequently warm water. Here they should be until the buds appear. In room conditions, such a temperature can be created only by installing lilies of the valley near a heat source. You can darken it with caps made of black paper or an empty pot overturned on top. By the time large flower shoots form, the plants are exposed to light, and normal flowering begins. The forcing lasts 25 days. Blooming lilies of the valley can be moved to a cool place: they will bloom longer.

The quality of inflorescences during forcing in December can be improved by additional lighting. Fluorescent lamps are suspended above the plants at a height of 30 cm at the rate of 50 watts per square meter. The lighting is done from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 10 p.m. In this case, the leaves are colored more intensely, and the flower stalks are stronger.

For forcing after January 15 planting material Do not treat with warm water, otherwise the leaves will grow strongly to the detriment of flowering. Lilies of the valley are taken from the room where they were stored and planted immediately. Maintain a temperature of 25 °C, from February – 20–22 °C. Closer to spring, reduce the duration of darkening. On bright sunny days, light darkening is required. Flowering occurs in 18–20 days. Lilies of the valley used in forcing are not suitable for further cultivation.

Use of May lily of the valley

May lily of the valley is not only a beautiful forest flower. It is also an important medicinal plant. Flowers, herbs, and lily of the valley leaves are used in medicine. Valuable drugs that regulate cardiac activity are obtained from its aerial parts. Fresh flowers are infused with alcohol and lily of the valley drops are obtained. Essential oil is extracted from the stems.

In folk medicine, lily of the valley flowers are used in the form of tinctures and infusions for neuroses and heart defects, dropsy, and epilepsy. In Western European countries it is used for paralysis and to strengthen the nervous system.

Lily of the valley fruits are used for tonic cosmetic masks. Decorative, used in phytodesign.

Interestingly, the delicate scent of lily of the valley kills lilac flowers. At the same time, lilies of the valley placed with forget-me-nots retain their freshness longer.

This beautiful plant with a delicate scent of flowers has poisonous properties. Lily of the valley contains glycosides, including convallatoxin and saponin - convallarin, which primarily affect the heart. Convallarin has an irritating effect on the digestive tract. Active toxic substances dissolve in water, so the water in which a bouquet of lily of the valley stands becomes poisonous. Sometimes children get poisoned by chewing the stems and leaves of lily of the valley, or eating its berries, the seeds of which are the most poisonous, which can cause poisoning. In small doses, lily of the valley glycosides are used for medicinal purposes.

Raw materials are harvested at the beginning of flowering. Cut with scissors at the very base or tear off flowers with arrows with your hands. Dry quickly to inactivate enzymes that destroy cardiac glycosides, indoors, under shelters and in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40–60 °C. Lily of the valley herbs remain active for 6 months.

Lily of the valley raw materials are harvested in huge quantities - hundreds of tons annually in our country alone. Lily of the valley is collected in different types forests. However, it has been established that in some types of forest the plant has less medicinal value, and in others it has more.

Interesting facts about lily of the valley.

Many peoples revere lily of the valley as a symbol of spring and joy, although this plant is not the earliest spring plant.

The tightly curled leaves of lily of the valley sprout through the forest floor only with the onset of stable warm weather. The twisted two basal elliptical leaves are straightened, moved apart, and between them there is a faceted green leafless stem with a one-sided inclined cluster of greenish buds. In a few days, the forest air will be filled with a gentle, bewitchingly unique, incomparable with any other aromas, a persistent lily of the valley scent.

The unopened buds of the lily of the valley face upward, but as soon as the flowers begin to bloom, the pedicels descend and the mouth of the flower faces the ground. This protective device protects pollen from rain and dampness. The smell of lily of the valley fascinates not only people, pollinating insects flock to it, most often bees and bumblebees. As a result of pollination, fruits are formed - juicy bright berries with a small number of seeds.

Our grandmothers, growing garden strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, did not particularly worry about mulching. But today this agricultural technique has become fundamental in achieving High Quality berries and reducing crop losses. Some might say it's a hassle. But practice shows that labor costs in this case pay off handsomely. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with the nine best materials for mulching garden strawberries.

Succulents are very diverse. Despite the fact that “little ones” have always been considered more fashionable, it’s worth taking a closer look at the range of succulents with which you can decorate a modern interior. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of prickliness, impact on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article we will tell you about the five most fashionable succulents that amazingly transform modern interiors.

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Cabbage soup made from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, aromatic and easy to prepare. In this recipe you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage It cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as other vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup turns out tastier than freshly prepared cabbage soup.

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Salmon backbone baked in Provençal herbs provides tasty pieces of fish pulp for a light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. The champignons are lightly fried in olive oil and then poured over apple cider vinegar. These mushrooms are tastier than regular pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Wild garlic and fresh dill get along well in one salad, highlighting each other’s aroma. The garlicky pungency of wild garlic will permeate both the salmon flesh and mushroom pieces.

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Delight your family and prepare themed cottage cheese cookies in the shape of Easter eggs! Your children will be happy to take part in the process - sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration as the pieces of dough turn into real ones. Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read our step by step recipe!

Among tuberous crops, there are not so many decorative deciduous favorites. And caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of interiors. Not everyone can decide to own a caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all, it requires care. But still, rumors about the extraordinary capriciousness of caladiums are never justified. Attention and care can avoid any difficulties when growing caladiums. And the plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.

We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply easy-to-prepare dish for you today. This sauce is one hundred percent universal, as it goes with every side dish: vegetables, pasta, or anything. Chicken and mushroom gravy will save you in moments when you don’t have time or don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Take your favorite side dish (you can do this in advance so everything is hot), add some gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.

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