3 Beautiful May Birth Month Flowers Information and Meaning

Raul Cornelius is a Senior Editor at BalconyGardenWeb and an expert in flower and herb cultivation based in Phoenix, Arizona. A frequent speaker at horticultural events, he is also an active contributor to Facebook flower groups. Holding an MBA and a BCom, Raul blends his gardening skills with strong leadership and analytical abilities. Passionate about writing and photography, he enjoys early mornings with coffee and books, and nature bike rides during weekends.
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Discover the enchanting May Birth Month Flowers, celebrating spring with lily of the valley and hawthorn blooms.

Wondering what is May’s birth flower? Celebrate the beauty of May Birth Month Flowers with their vibrant and enchanting meanings. Discover the blossoms that represent this special month and the significance they hold.

Learn about Birth Month Flowers with Meanings here


May Birth Month Flowers

1. Lily of the Valley

May Birth Month Flowers

Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis

Lily of the Valley is a charming and delicate perennial plant known for its sweet fragrance and bell-shaped white flowers. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Europe, particularly found in woodland areas and shady spots. With a rich history dating back centuries, Lily of the Valley has been associated with various mythologies and is the May birth month flower.

This dainty plant typically grows to about 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) in height and spreads through underground rhizomes. During late spring, usually in May, the plant produces clusters of small, pendulous, bell-shaped flowers.

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These blooms have a pristine white color and exude a delightful fragrance, adding a lovely touch to any garden or bouquet. While Lily of the Valley is predominantly white, there are occasional varieties with pink-hued flowers.

Note: It is crucial to exercise caution when handling this plant since all its parts contain potent cardiac glycosides. Ingesting any part of the Lily of the Valley can be harmful. Due to these compounds, the plants have toxic effects on the cardiovascular system. 

Lily of the Valley: May Birth Flower Meaning

Lily of the Valley holds a special and enchanting meaning as the May birth flower. Its delicate, bell-shaped blooms symbolize purity, sweetness, and the return of happiness.

The flower’s association with the month of May also signifies the arrival of spring and the renewal of life after the cold winter months. The flower is a popular choice for wedding bouquets and other celebratory occasions.

It’s mesmerizing fragrance and pristine white color further enhance its symbolism of purity and new beginnings, making Lily of the Valley a cherished and meaningful birth flower of May.

Check out the Best January Birth Flowers here

2. Hawthorn

Botanical Name: Crataegus

Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus, is a beautiful and versatile flowering shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It has a rich history and is deeply rooted in folklore and medicinal use. Hawthorn is native to various regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Hawthorn features glossy, dark green leaves with serrated edges and thorny branches, giving it a protective and enchanting aura. During spring, it bursts into a stunning display of clustered flowers, which can be white, pink, or red, depending on the species. The flowers have a delightful fragrance that attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

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Wondering what is the May birth flower? Hawthorn holds a significant place in history and folklore, often associated with various myths and traditions, and is the birth flower for May. In Celtic folklore, people believed that Hawthorn trees served as portals to the fairy realm, and they protected them to avoid angering the fairies.

Hawthorn: May Birth Flower Meaning

Hawthorn, the May birth flower, holds deep symbolic meaning that adds to its allure. Representing both hope and happiness, this enchanting flower embodies the essence of spring’s renewal and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Its delicate and fragrant blossoms, typically white or pink in color, have long been associated with love, fertility, and protection, making it a popular choice for celebratory occasions and weddings. Beyond its charming appearance, Hawthorn has a rich history in various cultures, often intertwined with folklore and medicinal uses.

Embracing the Hawthorn as the birth flower of May brings not only beauty but also a sense of optimism and joy to those born in this flourishing month.

Check out the Best June Birth Month Flowers here

3. Lily

The Lily flower boasts a striking and elegant allure that sets it apart in the realm of botanical beauty. Its graceful stems rise from the earth, bearing magnificent blooms characterized by their distinct trumpet-shaped petals.

These petals come in a breathtaking array of colors, ranging from pure whites and soft pastels to vibrant pinks, oranges, and even deep purples. The petals often feature subtle patterns, gradients, or freckling that add to their visual appeal and uniqueness.

One of the remarkable characteristics of the Lily is its beguiling fragrance, which varies among different species and cultivars. Some emit a sweet, delicate scent that fills the air with a sense of tranquility and charm. Others exude a more robust and intoxicating aroma.

Check out the best February birth month flowers here

Lily: May Birth Flower Meaning

While the Lily of the Valley holds the primary position as the May birth month flower, certain sources also attribute the broader category of Lilies to this month’s symbolic blooms. Lilies share a common thread of significance and are regarded as the flower for May birth month.

These enchanting flowers are often associated with qualities of purity and renewal, mirroring the essence of springtime and the rejuvenation it brings to the natural world.

The Lily’s symbolism of purity resonates strongly with May, a month often celebrated for its blooming flora and the revitalization of landscapes. Just as the Lily emerges from the earth to reveal its immaculate form, May marks a time of growth and rebirth, making the Lily an apt representation of the season’s spirit.

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Flowers Associated with May in Different Cultures

Now that you know what is Mays birth flower, check these out. Besides the birth flower may, these varieties, each with its unique symbolism, lend a vivid and culturally diverse tapestry to the month of May.

  • Iris (Iris germanica): The Greek goddess Iris, who conveyed messages between gods and mortals, is linked to the Iris, which represents wisdom and eloquence.
  • Peony (Paeonia):  Admired in Chinese culture, the peony embodies prosperity, honor, and romance, making it a symbol of wealth and beauty.
  • Rose (Rosa): Universally loved, the rose has diverse meanings; in Roman mythology, it was associated with Venus, the goddess of love, while red roses often symbolize deep affection.
  • Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus): With various colors conveying distinct messages, carnations are linked to fascination, distinction, and love in different cultures.
  • Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa): Celebrated in Mexican culture during the “Day of the Dead” festival, tuberose represents remembrance, elegance, and sensuality.
  • Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum): Revered in Japan, the chrysanthemum embodies the sun and symbolizes longevity, happiness, and perfection.
  • Lavender (Lavandula): In Mediterranean cultures, lavender signifies calmness, purification, and devotion, often used in religious rituals and healing practices.
  • Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): Linked to the ancient Celts, bluebells represent humility, gratitude, and constancy in various cultures.

Take a look at the Best Plants for Front Door According to Various Cultures


May Birth Flower Tattoo

Capturing the essence of May’s birth flower in the form of a tattoo is a captivating way to celebrate the month’s vibrant energy. A May birth flower tattoo is not just an adornment. It’s a personal and meaningful statement etched in ink, radiating the enchanting allure of the floral world throughout the year.

Whether you choose the delicate elegance of Lily of the Valley or the timeless charm of a Lily, a birth flower May tattoo becomes a wearable work of art, symbolizing not only your birth month but also the qualities it embodies – purity, renewal, and beauty.

The intricate details and colors of these blossoms can transform skin into a canvas of nature’s grace, an ever-present reminder of the blooming spirit that May brings.

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