[Illustration: Lily-of-the-valley
_Convallaria majalis--LILIACEAE_]
=Description=: A perennial, low-growing herb found in many gardens.
Its attractive small, white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are fragrant
and used in bouquets. They blossom in spring and summer. Several of
these are found on one side of a slender flowering stalk. Leaves have
parallel vein markings. The fruits appear in late summer and early fall
and are attractive red to orange-red fleshy berries.
=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and fruits contain harmful
principles, particularly the glycoside =convallatoxin= which stimulates
the heart muscles similarly to the poisonous principles of the
=foxglove=, =digitalis=. Dizziness and vomiting may occur in 1 to 2
hours if large quantities are eaten.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians should
look for symptoms of digitalis poisoning.