May · late spring
May birth flower: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
May's birth flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn, and its birthstone is emerald. Here's what they mean and how to give them.
Lily of the Valley and HawthornBirth flower
EmeraldBirthstone →Shop May birthstone jewelry
Emerald for rebirth, love, wisdom and growth, paired with the lily of the valley. Our favorite searches for May gifts.
May birthstone necklaceDainty emerald pendants, the #1 birth month giftShop on Amazon →Emerald ringsSolitaires, stackers & bezel settingsShop on Amazon →May birthstone braceletCharm & chain bracelets with tiny stonesShop on Amazon →Emerald stud earringsSimple studs that go with everythingShop on Amazon →Lily of the Valley birth flower necklaceThe May flower, engraved or pressedShop on Amazon →Flower + stone necklaceBoth your symbols in one pieceShop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
The May palette
May birth flower
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
The lily of the valley stands for sweetness, humility and the return of happiness.
Lily of the Valley colors & meanings
- White: purity, humility and good luck
- Pink (rare): love and admiration
Lily of the valley is woven into European folklore as "Mary's tears." In France, people give sprigs as good-luck gifts on May 1. It has been a royal wedding favorite, from Grace Kelly's bouquet to Kate Middleton's.
Fun facts
- Every part of the plant is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children.
- It is one of the most expensive wedding flowers because it blooms for such a short season.
- Its fragrance is famously hard to extract, so most "muguet" perfumes recreate it synthetically.
May birth flower
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
The hawthorn stands for hope, supreme happiness and protection.
Hawthorn colors & meanings
- White blossom: hope
- Red berries: protection
Hawthorn, or "may," was the centerpiece of May Day celebrations in Britain. Bringing the blossom indoors was thought to be unlucky, but hawthorn hedges were believed to protect homes.
Fun facts
- A hawthorn can live for more than 400 years.
- Its red berries, called haws, are made into jellies and herbal remedies.
May birth flower tattoo ideas
The arched stem of tiny hanging bells is one of the most elegant fine-line tattoos you can get. It suits the inner arm, ribs or back of the neck, and it rarely needs color.
See May tattoo ideasYour May birthstone
Emerald stands for rebirth, love, wisdom and growth. Bluish green to pure green.
Shop May jewelryMay birthstone guideMay birth flower gifts
Lily of the Valley birth flower necklaces on Amazon →May birth flower art prints on Amazon →Lily of the Valley seeds to grow your own on Amazon →We may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Questions, answered
What is the May birth flower?
The May birth flowers are Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. Lily of the Valley symbolizes sweetness, humility and the return of happiness.
What does the May birth flower mean?
Lily of the Valley means sweetness, humility and the return of happiness. Hawthorn means hope, supreme happiness and protection.
What is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is Emerald, a symbol of rebirth, love, wisdom and growth.
What is a good May birth flower gift?
A bouquet of fresh lily of the valleys, a pressed-flower or illustrated print, a birth flower necklace, or emerald jewelry that pairs the flower and the stone.
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