Are lily of the valey going to kill me?

[Kittyfang]

Ok, I'm being over dramatic, but according to Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_of_the_Valley ) all parts of the plant are highly venomous and hands should be washed after handling the plant.

Now, I'm a very "touchy feelly" gardener. I feel the leaves of my plants to see if they are in need of water, I bury my nose in the flowers when they are in bloom. Is this kind of behavior going to cause me (or any wild or domestic animal) any harm?

On a side not, after doing a search on ebay, I'm shocked at how pricey they are. So, if anyone has some seeds or cuttings, I would love to trade you.

Kittyfang

[gardeningmom]

OK I have had lily of the valley in the yard for many years and no one has died. I have never eaten them but have touched them and sniffed them!!! They are invasive but are very cute. I don't have them at this house but my mom still has them. I can see if I can get some this weekend.

[jdkline]

I just dug up, transported, then planted at my home not too long ago a whole bunch of lily of the valley. I'm still kicking. I was at my friends house and she had them and they were very fragrant so I stuck my nose down to one and it didnt bother me. I never washed my hands after transplanting them either. I think this is such a common plant that you dont have anything to worry about other than the price if you cant find someone to trade for some of it. I really think you will be alright with this plant.
Deb

[zuzu's petals]

Toxicity occurs through ingestion, so as long as you (or any children) don't eat any part of the plant, you should be just fine.
Hand washing after handling the plants is a good idea, especially after trimming or transplanting,
just so that any residual traces don't eventually find their way into your system.

The list of common garden plants and house plants with poisonous properties is a long one,
heck, even potato plants are toxic.

[bhscarlett]

Do not worry,, alot of our most smelling, lovely, special plants are very toxic,, usually thats if eaten,, most of the time you can wear planting gloves and dont rub face, eyes or skin and wash,, but you smell and even pick for vases,, I do with all my flowers,, never a reaction,, I think its just part of nature nuture,, please continue to live and Stop and Smell the Flowers,, thats what they are here for to love and enjoy them...Blessings, Beth

[Kittyfang]

Thank you guys for your answers and for the funny way you worded them, I really needed a laugh (hubby started my morning by being a dumb b*tt... He doesn't read this forum, so I can say it).

I will try to see where I can plant them in my backyard. They look so delicate and beautiful that I just have to have some. ... The idea actually came from someone here, that made a comment about them looking like plastic flowers. I agree, they somewhat do look perfect.

kittyfang

[gardeningmom]

Just remember they are very invasive!!! They are hard to get rid of a they grow runners under ground. I suggest sinking a pot of them in the ground where you want them.

[Kittyfang]

I actually taught about making a raised bed for my herbs and plants like this. I have some unused pieces of woods that were used to make a porch that we don't use. I am just wondering how deep their roots go... and if they would find a way to go under the pieces of wood.

[jessiebella677]

I have a story...So its funny you asked this...My sister has never let me live this down!! LOL!! Ok I was about 9 or so and my mom had a ton of lily of the valley on the side of our house. I didnt know they are poisonous so I dared my little 4 year old sister to bite one just bite into not even bite off. So to prove to big sister she wasnt a sissy she did. Well later that she was so sick, hot pink stuff was coming out. I dont want to get to graphic. So my parents were freekin out and she was so lathargic. She could barely move. I dont remember how they figured it out, I as a small child wouldnt have even thought to tell them, after all people get sick and no biggie. They must of asked my poor baby sister if she ate or drank anything because she had 6 months earlier drank amonia. So they take her to the hospital and find out she is on the brink of death. I am not kidding!! If she had actually bittin the peice off and gotten any more in her mouth they said she wouldve died. Now hows that for guilt and trust me she uses whenever she can because she knows how horrible I feel to this day! I know we were just kids and all but I wouldnt have her if it werent for my parents quick thinking!



Mooral of the story YES LILY OF THE VALLEY IS EXTREMLY TOXIC!! I still am gonna get some though! Then when I show my sister we will laugh, she pretty much forgives me!
Jessie

[jessiebella677]

I actually taught about making a raised bed for my herbs and plants like this. I have some unused pieces of woods that were used to make a porch that we don't use. I am just wondering how deep their roots go... and if they would find a way to go under the pieces of wood.

Yes they will and do not plant them with anything etable! Read my story. Theya re highly highly toxic. Please do keep them away from anything you are going to eat.
Jessie

[Kittyfang]

OMG. It's a good thing they took her to the hospital.

But, noted, I'll make a sing in front of my house saying "the dogs are docile, but the plants will KILL YOU!"

[jessiebella677]

OMG. It's a good thing they took her to the hospital.

But, noted, I'll make a sing in front of my house saying "the dogs are docile, but the plants will KILL YOU!"

Oh thats just to cute, I thin I will do the same!!
Jessie