May’s birth flower is the delicate, sweetly scented lily of the valley, with hawthorn as its secondary bloom. Its tiny white bells symbolize sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness — a gentle, hopeful flower for the heart of spring.
May’s birth flowers at a glance
- Primary flower: Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Secondary flower: Hawthorn
- Core meanings: sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness
- Best for: birthday bouquets, meaningful tattoos, and seasonal gifts
The lily of the valley: May’s primary birth flower
Lily of the valley is one of the most fragrant flowers in the garden, its arching stems hung with dainty white bells. It symbolizes sweetness, humility, purity, and the return of happiness, and it is closely tied to motherhood — one reason it appears so often in May, the month of Mother’s Day.
Christian legend says lily of the valley sprang from the Virgin Mary’s tears, giving it the name “Our Lady’s tears.” In France, sprigs of muguet are given on May 1 to wish loved ones luck and happiness, and the flower’s elegance has made it a favourite in royal wedding bouquets. Note that, for all its charm, lily of the valley is poisonous if eaten.
The hawthorn: May’s secondary birth flower
Hawthorn (Crataegus), sometimes called “May blossom,” bursts into clouds of white or pink flowers in late spring. Long linked to May Day and the festival of Beltane, it symbolizes hope and supreme happiness, and was traditionally believed to bring protection and good fortune.
May birth flower tattoo ideas
Lily of the valley makes for delicate, elegant tattoos, its little bells suiting fine-line and minimalist styles.
- A single stem of lily of the valley along the wrist or collarbone
- Fine-line bells trailing down the spine or forearm
- Lily of the valley paired with the May birthstone (emerald) in green tones
- A spray of hawthorn blossom for a softer, looser design
- A family birth-flower bouquet featuring May’s lily of the valley
Gift ideas for someone born in May
Lily of the valley is treasured for its scent and elegance, making it a luxurious-feeling yet meaningful May birthday gift.
- A fragrant bouquet of fresh lily of the valley
- A potted plant to naturalize in a shady garden corner
- Lily-of-the-valley perfume, which captures the flower’s famous scent
- Emerald-and-floral jewelry tying in the May birthstone
- Botanical prints or pressed-flower keepsakes
Caring for May’s flowers
Lily of the valley thrives in cool, shady spots with rich, moist soil, where it spreads to form a fragrant ground cover — sometimes vigorously, so give it room. It needs little attention once established. Remember that all parts of the plant are toxic, so keep it away from children and pets.
May birth flower FAQs
What is the birth flower for May?
May has two birth flowers: lily of the valley, its primary flower, and hawthorn. Lily of the valley symbolizes sweetness and the return of happiness, while hawthorn represents hope.
What does lily of the valley symbolize?
Lily of the valley symbolizes sweetness, humility, purity, and a return to happiness. It is also strongly associated with motherhood, which suits its place in the month of Mother’s Day.
Is lily of the valley poisonous?
Yes. Although it is beautiful and fragrant, lily of the valley is toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from children and pets and handled with care.
Why do the French give lily of the valley on May 1?
In France it is a tradition to give sprigs of muguet (lily of the valley) on May Day to wish friends and family luck and happiness, a custom dating back centuries.
What do May birth flower tattoos mean?
A May birth flower tattoo features lily of the valley or hawthorn and represents sweetness, happiness, and hope, often chosen to celebrate a May birthday or motherhood.
Explore other months
See the full birth flowers by month guide, or visit April and June.