Convallaria keiskei
Lily Of The Valley

Uses

Toxic parts

All parts of the plant are poisonous^[1]^[2]^[3]. However, the toxic principle is very poorly absorbed when taken orally so poisoning is unlikely to occur^[4].

Edible uses

Notes

The whole plant is cooked as a potherb or put in miso soup^[5]^[6]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The flowers and flower buds are preserved in salt or mixed with leaf tea and drunk^[5]^[6].

Flowers

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a ground cover in woodland shade or in a shrubbery^[7].

There are no material uses listed for Convallaria keiskei.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Convallaria keiskei.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, otherwise in late winter, in a cold frame^[8]. Germination, particularly of stored seed can be very slow, taking 2 - 12 months or more at 15°c^[8]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow on undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply a liquid feed during the growing season to ensure that the seedlings are well fed. Divide the young plants into individual pots when they die down in late summer and grow them on in pots in a shady position in a cold frame for at least another year before planting them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant[K]. Division in September^[9]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Convallaria keiskei. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

Succeeds in almost any situation, including the dense dry shade of large trees^[10]^[11]. Prefers a position in semi-shade in a moderately fertile well-drained moist woodland soil^[7]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.

Plants are hardy to -20°c or lower^[7]. A good bee plant^[12]. A very ornamental plant, though it can become very invasive once it is established^[7].

Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits^[13].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Convallaria keiskei. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Convallaria keiskei.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies