Live in southern NH, moved here and the garden was unkempt and overgrown full of dead stuff last fall. This spring trying to clean it up. Hundreds of these little stalks are popping up. Will they be pretty or should I rip them all out and replace?
by WildFriendship982
5 Comments
Look almost certainly to be “lily of the valley” – very pretty white, pendulous flowers.
That’s Lily of the valley!
Please leave them!
Lilly of the valley. They are quite pretty and smell nice too. But they are also invasive, unfortunately, and can really really dominate in any areas that are shady. They’re not so troublesome in hot and dry locales. They are also toxic to humans, cats, and dogs (and probably some other animals).
It’s not on New Hampshire’s prohibited list, but I’d probably still recommend removal especially if you live on/near any woods (where this plant thrives).
They are lovely but not if you don’t want them somewhere. Mine grew through asphalt driveway and crumpled it. Maybe transplant some to a pot.