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    Lily of the Valley

    Common · Convallaria majalis

    Healing · Alchemical · Magical · Poisonous

    Terrain Forest, Hills, Swamp/Marsh

    Description

    Lily of the valley has broad, lance-shaped leaves that usually grow in pairs. The leaves are dark green and leathery to the touch. The flowering stem is short, typically not exceeding 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in height. It is smooth and leafless. After flowering, bright red berry-like fruits form, containing several seeds. These fruits are poisonous.

    Location and Habitat

    The plant is found in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere, from the Atlantic coast of Europe and the western Mediterranean to Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and northern China. It also occurs in the southeastern part of North America.

    Rarity and Availability

    Lily of the valley is widespread in the wild across Europe and parts of Asia and North America. It prefers shady and moist forests, making it quite common in suitable conditions.

    Effects and Uses

    These flowers are most often used as symbols of love and hope. However, the berries of the lily of the valley are poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and increased blood pressure.

    Harvesting & Preparation

    • Strategic care must be taken, as parts of the plant (especially the red berries) are poisonous. A DC 12 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check or Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check is needed to safely gather the flowers without damaging them or exposing oneself to toxins.

    Items & Effects

    • Tears of the Water Princess. Legend says these blossoms sprang from the tears of a heartbroken water maiden. This mild potion symbolizes hope, healing, and renewed spirit.
      • Creation. Requires 2 hours, 3 fresh lily of the valley blooms, clean water (preferably from a stream or spring), and a DC 13 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check.
      • Effects (lasts 1 hour).
        • Emotional Solace. The creature gains advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed (PHB, p. 290), reflecting the plant’s connection to love and steadfastness.
        • Renewed Heart. The creature also gains 2d4 temporary hit points.
    • Gnomish Lantern Concoction. Inspired by the tale that gnomes use these blossoms as lanterns, this concoction harnesses faint fey-like light and fleeting illusions.
      • Creation. Requires 4 hours, 5 blooms, a pinch of glow-in-the-dark fungus, and a DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana) or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check.
      • Use. Applied like an oil to a lantern or small object (action).
      • Effects (lasts 8 hours).
        • Soft Fey Light. The object glows with dim light in a 20-foot radius.
        • Illusory Silhouettes. Once per hour, the holder can create a minor illusory flicker (like a shape dancing on a wall) using an action. This is similar to the minor illusion cantrip (PHB, p. 260) but lasts only 1 round.
    • Bouquet of Renewal. Clerics or druids sometimes gather fresh lilies of the valley to incorporate into ritual magic that symbolizes rebirth and hope—particularly during spring festivals.
      • Use. As an optional spell component for lesser restoration (PHB, p. 255) or greater restoration (PHB, p. 246), the caster can expend a bouquet of fresh lilies of the valley to empower the spell with an additional effect.
      • If used with lesser restoration, the target gains 5 temporary hit points after the condition is removed.
      • If used with greater restoration, the target gains advantage on saving throws against effects that would impose the same condition for the next 24 hours.

    Lore

    As soon as the treetops begin to intertwine and a secluded shade forms, lilies of the valley immediately appear. Although the lily of the valley grows in shady forests, name means "lily of the valley that blooms in May."

    Many cultures have revered this plant as a symbol of spring. For example, according to tradition, the ancient Germans adorned themselves with lilies of the valley during the spring festival of Ostara. At the end of the festival, the wilted flowers were ceremoniously burned as an offering to Ostara, the goddess of dawn and a harbinger of warmth.

    In one European fairy tale, it's said that the flowers of the lily of the valley are lanterns used by gnomes. Another tale tells that lilies of the valley grew from the tears of Volkhov, the princess of the underwater kingdom, who fell in love with the brave young man Sadko. Legends recount the following events: Upon learning of her beloved's betrayal and his deep love for Lyubava, Volkhov emerged from her kingdom to the shore to listen one last time to his wondrous songs. But no matter how the water princess searched for Sadko, he was nowhere to be found along the shore. She wandered for a long time, listening as she moved through meadows, clearings, and forests. Then, among the slender birches, she finally spotted two silhouettes in the moonlight—it was Sadko with Lyubava by his side.

    From Witch’s Herbs 5E, p. 66 · Fern Flower Press