The month of May carries an essence of renewal, joy, and warmth, and its flowers perfectly reflect these qualities. But have you ever wondered what the May birth flower is and why it holds such a cherished place in the plant family? Similar to the December birth flower or April birth flower, May also honors two distinct blossoms — Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn.
Both come with unique meanings, rich history, and cultural significance that make them perfect gifts for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. In this guide, I will share some fascinating features and the cultural significance of the genus, along with its botanical background and the growing conditions that must be followed.
Without any further delay, let’s jump into this immersive blog and fall in love with these exquisite blooms even more!
May Birth Flower — Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
May is said to be the month of elegance and renewal, represented by two delicate flowers — Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. Lily of the Valley, with its bell-shaped flowers, symbolizes purity, sweetness, and humility, while Hawthorn represents hope and happiness. The May birth flower is cherished for its beauty and meaning, making them a perfect choice for gifting during birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding celebrations.
Whether you wish to convey sincerity, joy, or a fresh start, these blooms embody heartfelt emotions in the most graceful way. It is also a beautiful way to feel connected to nature and the time of the year or season you were born in.
Lily of the Valley: Primary May Flower of the Month
Lily of the Valley, also known as the birth flower for May, is one of the most adorned bell flowers. Botanically called Convallaria majalis, this genus has small lime green leaves and fragrant white blooms. Native to Europe and Western Asia, the Lily of the Valley is also known by other names, such as May bells, Our Lady’s tears, and Mary’s tears.
With a rich heritage, this May flower comes with a great history and cultural recognition. Just like the January birth flower, the Lily of the Valley symbolized purity, freshness, and new beginnings and is believed to bring in good fortune if planted indoors.
Being a perennial charmer, this ethereal flower is a popular choice for bridal bouquets, especially in Christianity. Furthermore, I have listed some astonishing features of this May birth flower. Let us explore them in the next section.
Features and Taxonomic Overview of the Lily of the Valley
The Lily of the Valley is a shade plant and usually bears small white flowers in clusters, and usually grows up to 6–8 inches tall. Its alluring flowers are highly appreciated and commonly used for floral decorations. Let’s quickly focus on some of the features and benefits of the genus.
- Famous for its aromatic blooms, this May flower is highly sought-after in the perfume industry. Its blooms are specifically used to make scented candles and body mists.
- During the late summer months, this species also bears small red berries. Although they are not edible, they tend to create a beautiful contrast with heavenly white flowers.
- The flower has been mentioned numerous times in the Bible, and in France, to date, people follow the tradition of gifting this bloom to their loved ones for good luck.
Moving further, quickly take a look at the botanical background of this flower for the month of May.
| Taxonomic Overview of the May Birthflower | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Subclass | Liliidae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Convallaria |
| Botanical Name | Convallaria majalis |
Although all parts of the genus are poisonous to humans and animals, the extracts of the plant were traditionally used to make medicines for various ailments. Ingesting the leaves of this May flower can cause nausea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeat that can be extremely fatal.
Lily of the Valley: Ideal Growing Conditions
Whether you want to gift this alluring bloom to your loved ones or plan to add it to your garden, it is essential to understand its ideal growing conditions. Below, I have mentioned an ultimate care guide for you to follow and fill your front lawn with this stunning May birth month flower.
| Optimal Growing Conditions for Lily of the Valley | |
| Hardiness Zone | 2-8 USDA |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade, prefers dappled sunlight. |
| Water Needs | Moderate watering is needed only to keep the soil moist. Avoid waterlogging. |
| Soil Type | Grows best in well-draining, loamy soil with nutrient-rich organic matter. |
| Temperature | Bloom well in cool to moderate temperature settings (60-70 °F) |
| Fertilizers | Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote new growth. |
Maintaining moderate humidity keeps the foliage fresh. When I grow Lily of the Valley, I do not overlook the little details that can help the genus flourish. A layer of organic mulch not only helps in retaining moisture but also keeps pests away.
Hawthorn: Secondary Flower of May
Hawthorn, scientifically known as Crataegus, holds a special place as the May birthday flower, representing hope, happiness, and love. Traditionally speaking, it has often been associated with fertility and protection, making it a symbol of new beginnings and positive energy.
With deep roots in European folklore, this May month flower was considered sacred and linked to fairies and mystical energies. Other names of Hawthorn include Whitethorn, May-tree, Quickthorn, Mayblossom, Hawberry, and Thornapple. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, people in ancient times believed hanging Hawthorn outside their home brought good fortune and warding off evil.
For me, the May birth flower stands as a beautiful emblem of joy and resilience, deeply connected with cultural traditions and folklore. Its rich history makes it much more than just a bloom.
Features and Taxonomic Overview of the Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a deciduous flowering shrub belonging to the rose family. This medicinal plant is well known among botanists and seasoned gardeners. Allow me to quickly walk you through some astonishing features and benefits of the genus.
- Appearance: This May flower is a small tree with glossy green leaves and a cluster of pink-white flowers. It also bears small red berry-like fruits during fall and summer, which are usually inedible and toxic for humans and pets.
- Growth Habit: Hawthorn grows up to 15–30 feet tall, having slender but thorny branches. It typically forms a dense canopy shape with its bushy foliage and aromatic flowers.
- Ornamental Value: It adds seasonal interest to gardens with its fragrant flowers in spring and bright red berries in autumn, attracting birds and other pollinators, like bees and butterflies.
- Medicinal Benefits: This flower for May is believed to be a medicinal plant, widely used to make herbal medicines, especially for ailments related to health. It treats fever and balances the blood pressure as well.
Whenever I look at Hawthorn, I see more than just a flowering tree. Its beauty, symbolism, and medicinal benefits make it a cherished species and a stunning addition to gardens and traditions alike.
Moving further, allow me to enlighten you with its botanical background as well.
| Taxonomic Overview of the May Birthflower | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Rosids |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Subfamily | Amygdaloideae |
| Genus/Botanical Name | Crataegus |
What piqued my interest in this May birth flower is how every part of the genus is beneficial to the ecosystem and even to living beings. The red berries of this plant are typically used to make anti-inflammatory medicines. Its extracts are used to treat mild anxiety and digestive issues.
Hawthorn: Ideal Growing Conditions Required
Ever since I learned the benefits of this May’s birth flower, I have made sure to add this alluring species to my front lawn without any delay. Before you plant the Hawthorn bush in your garden space, it is ideal to understand what the plant really needs to thrive. Here’s what works best for this hardy plant.
| Optimal Growing Conditions for Hawthorn | |
| Hardiness Zone | 8-11 USDA |
| Sun Exposure | Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight. |
| Water Needs | Regular watering is needed during the initial years of growth. |
| Soil Type | Grows best in well-draining loamy soil, tolerates clayey and chalky soil types. |
| Temperature | Thrives in cool to temperate climates (50-75°F) |
| Fertilizers | Apply a balanced fertilizer in the ratio 10:10:10 during spring. |
From proper sunlight to the right soil types, every detail contributes to a strong, flourishing plant. A little care and attention in the beginning ensures years of beauty and stunning blossoms.
Fresh and Flowery in May: Photo Gallery and Some Fun Facts
Beyond the beauty and symbolism of the flowers, I love discovering little secrets or fascinating stories related to the blooms. Let’s uncover some intriguing facts about both the May flowers.
- Known as the royal favorite, the Lily of the Valley was featured in Kate Middleton’s bridal bouquet during her wedding to Prince William. On the other hand, in Ancient Greece and Rome, Hawthorn flowers were used to decorate wedding altars as a symbol of fertility and happiness.
- In France, May 1st is known as the May Day or “La Fête du Muguet,” which is a public holiday, an occasion to celebrate workers’ rights and to offer each other Lily of the Valley flowers for good luck. Even Hawthorn started being called the May Tree because it blooms right around May Day.
- Many European folklores, especially during medieval times, state that these May birth flowers (Lilly of the Valley and Hawthorn) were considered blooms that protected gardens from evil spirits. The branches of the Hawthorn were used in witchcraft to ward off evil witches.
For me, all these facts about both the May flowers make them even more special. Each bloom carries its own history, mystery, and timeless stories worth discussing. Before we head towards the conclusion of the blog, let’s scroll through some striking images of both the flowers.
Conclusion: Wrapping You a Bouquet of May Birth Flowers
To me, the May birth flowers represent a beautiful blend between history, symbolism, and nature’s magic. As I dig deeper into both the blooms, I realize they are more than just seasonal beauties. The flowers of Lily of the Valley speak of sweetness and humility, while Hawthorn represents joy and protection.
From royal bouquets to traditional rituals, one cannot deny their importance and the fact that they have been cherished for centuries. What are you waiting for? If you adore someone born in May, go ahead and gift them these striking blooms and make their day even more special.
What is the birth flower for May?
Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn are said to be the birth flowers of May.
What is May’s birth flower tattoo?
The delicate blooms of both the May flowers can be drawn as a birth flower tattoo.
Why are there two birth flowers for May?
Both the blooms carry unique charm and emotions that represent the people born in this month. Hence, May has two birth flowers, just like any other month of the year.
What is the meaning of May Day?
May Day, observed on 1st May, is a dual-meaning holiday. It celebrates International Workers’ Day and ancient spring traditions.
What is the birthstone for May?
The May birthstone is the emerald, a precious green gemstone associated with rebirth and positive energies.
- List of Birth Month Flowers — Britannica
- The Month of May Has 2 Birth Flowers to Choose From—Here’s What They Symbolize — Yahoo Life
