Tigger's Green Paw
Lily of the Valley

As with all plants, always check if you have any health problems that may be affected by growing any plants in your garden or yard you may be able to nibble on.

Animal Safety: Dogs: No Cats: No Rabbits: No

Free Grazing: Not safe for any animal to graze on.
Lifespan: Perennial
Soil Type: All types of soil
Sew: From May to September
Flower: April to May
Divide: September to November
Position: Full or partial shade.

Lilies of the valley are hardy, mat forming perennials that can be used as a groundcover. The stems of lily of the valley plants are covered with tiny white, nodding bell-shaped flowers that have a sweet perfume and medium-bright green leaves that are lance-shaped, 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) high and 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to12.5 cm) wide. There flowers are usually white although there are other varieties that can produce pink, yellow and even a blue flower.

In some countries Lily of the Valley is considered an invasive plant. It can spread itself around an area and if grown near other plants, it can be quite difficult to remove without losing other nearby plants and shrubs.

Every part of the plant contains high levels of cardiac glycosides, but the bulbs are the most dangerous.
Glycosides can irritate the gastrointestinal tract but more importantly, they can disrupt the normal function of the heart. Lily of the valley plants also contain saponins, which cause gastrointestinal signs and tummy upsets.

The bulbs of lily of the valley plants are the most toxic and can cause more immediate, life-threatening symptoms in dogs. Below is a list of some symptoms of lily of the valley toxicity in dogs. If you suspect an animal has eaten some Lily of the Valley, please seek medical advice straight away.

Irregular heartbeat        Decreased heart rate
Collapse                        Death
Diarrhea                        Vomiting
Drooling                       Dilated pupils
Seizures                        Tremors
Weakness                     Nausea
Loss of appetite