Identifying Grandfather’s Fragrant White-Flowered Plant

Lily-of-the-Valley vs. Hosta: Which Is It?

Large, hosta-like leaves with sweet-scented, long white flowers in late spring suggest lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), not a water lily or hosta.

Key Traits

• Height: 8–12 inches
• Leaves: Broad, emerald, similar to hosta but smaller
• Flowers: Arching racemes of tiny, bell-shaped, intensely fragrant white blooms
• Spreads by underground stolons
• Shade-loving, Zone 3–8

Where to Find It

Available at most nurseries, big-box stores, and online in spring. Confirm with Wikipedia photos.