What happens if you smell a lily of the valley?

September 21, 2025 •

3 min read

While the lily of the valley is famous for its sweet fragrance, an estimated 1 in 10 reports of plant poisonings in the US involve this plant. The good news is that when it comes to the question, "What happens if you smell a lily of the valley?" the answer is generally reassuring, though not without important caveats for sensitive individuals.

Quick Summary

Smelling a lily of the valley is typically safe for most people, but the plant itself is highly poisonous if ingested, containing cardiac glycosides that can be life-threatening. Individuals with scent sensitivities or allergies may experience respiratory or skin irritation. The primary danger lies in ingestion, not inhalation of the fragrance.

Key Points

Scent is Safe: For most people, smelling a lily of the valley is completely harmless and will not cause poisoning, despite historical myths.
Ingestion is Dangerous: Every part of the lily of the valley plant is highly toxic if ingested, containing cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart.
Risk for Sensitive Individuals: Those with respiratory issues like asthma or strong allergies might experience irritation from the powerful fragrance.
Not an Inhalation Toxin: The plant's toxins are not airborne and do not pose a toxic inhalation risk through its scent.
Handle with Care: When handling the plant, especially when gardening, wearing gloves is recommended to prevent skin irritation.
Emergency Action for Ingestion: If ingestion is suspected, immediate contact with a poison control center and emergency medical care is necessary.

The Scent is Safe, But Ingestion is Not

Despite the plant's known toxicity, simply smelling a lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is not dangerous for the vast majority of people. The toxins are not volatile enough to become airborne in harmful concentrations through scent alone. Historically, rumors have circulated about the scent being lethal, but these were unfounded folk tales. For most, the lovely, heady fragrance is just a pleasant-smelling bloom of springtime.

However, this does not mean the plant is completely without risk. The fragrant compounds, such as bourgeonal, can attract insects and, interestingly, affect human physiology in minor ways, but not in a toxic manner through scent. The real danger lies in ingesting any part of the plant—the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, or roots—which are all highly poisonous and contain cardiac glycosides. The concentration of these compounds is highest in the roots.

Potential Risks of Inhalation for Sensitive Individuals

While not toxic, the strong, sweet scent can still cause reactions in a small subset of the population. Individuals with respiratory conditions or heightened scent sensitivities are more susceptible. These reactions are typically allergic or irritant in nature, not toxic poisoning.

Here are some potential reactions for sensitive people:

Respiratory Irritation: The potent fragrance might trigger a reaction in those with asthma or severe allergies, potentially causing shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing.
Headaches: Some people are sensitive to strong floral perfumes and may develop a headache from inhaling the scent for an extended period.
Skin Irritation: Although primarily caused by direct contact with the plant's sap, some extremely sensitive individuals with respiratory allergies might also experience secondary skin irritation.

The Deadly Consequences of Ingestion

It is crucial to differentiate between smelling and eating this plant. Ingesting any part of the lily of the valley can lead to a severe medical emergency. The cardiac glycosides disrupt the heart's pumping action and can lead to a life-threatening event. Even the water from a vase containing the cut flowers can become toxic.

Signs and Symptoms of Lily of the Valley Poisoning

If ingestion is suspected, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms can include:

Gastrointestinal upset: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Cardiac symptoms: Slow or irregular heartbeat, which can lead to arrhythmia.
Neurological effects: Drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation.
Vision abnormalities: In severe cases, blurred vision or seeing halos around objects.

Comparison Table: Inhalation vs. Ingestion


Feature	Inhalation of Scent	Ingestion of Plant
Primary Risk	None (for most); Irritation/Allergy (for sensitive individuals)	Severe toxicity, potentially fatal
Toxic Compound Exposure	Negligible, non-toxic airborne compounds	High concentration of cardiac glycosides
Symptoms	Sneezing, headache, mild respiratory irritation (rarely)	Vomiting, irregular heart rate, cardiac arrest, blurred vision
Treatment	Remove from source, fresh air, symptomatic relief	Immediate medical attention, activated charcoal, heart monitoring
Typical Outcome	Resolve on removal from scent source	Hospitalization and close monitoring; death possible in severe cases

First Aid and Prevention for Potential Exposure

If you believe you or someone has ingested lily of the valley, contact poison control immediately and seek emergency medical care. Prevention is the best defense against poisoning. If you have lily of the valley in your garden, be mindful of children and pets. When handling the plant, it is wise to wear gloves to avoid potential skin irritation from the sap. If you suspect a pet has eaten the plant, take them to a veterinarian at once.

For more detailed information on plant toxicity, a reputable source like the ASPCA's database on toxic plants is invaluable: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

Conclusion

While the lily of the valley is a beloved plant for its delicate appearance and potent fragrance, its beauty belies a dangerous nature. Smelling the flower is a safe and pleasant experience for most people, with only those with extreme sensitivities needing caution. However, the risk of ingestion is severe and must never be underestimated. Understanding the difference between these two forms of exposure is key to safely enjoying this beautiful but toxic plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the scent itself is not poisonous. The potent floral fragrance is not an inhalation toxin and is harmless to most people. The danger lies in ingesting the plant, not smelling it.

Yes, it is possible, though not common. Individuals with sensitivities to strong fragrances or pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma might experience mild allergic or irritant reactions, such as a headache or coughing.

If your pet only smells the flower, there is no need for alarm. However, if you suspect your pet has chewed or ingested any part of the plant, you should contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Symptoms of ingestion include gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, neurological symptoms like confusion and weakness, and most critically, cardiac problems such as a slow or irregular heartbeat.

Yes, as long as it is kept away from pets and children who might try to eat it. It is also important to note that the water in the vase can become toxic and should be handled carefully.

Lily of the valley essential oil is not a natural product, as the flower is "mute" and its scent cannot be distilled. Any product claiming to be such is synthesized and its safety depends on the specific chemical compounds used. Always check for ingredient lists and be wary of false claims.

All parts of the lily of the valley plant are considered poisonous, but the roots contain the highest concentration of the dangerous cardiac glycosides. The berries are also a particular risk to children due to their appearance.