Lily of the Valley

During the American civil war, the severely wounded soldiers, the ones who where dying would be met by a Lady of Charity. This is my impression during historical reenactments for Mid-States Living History Association. As a living historian, I explore the time period civil war and their stories, their roles and herbal practices.

In particular, I am fascinated by the women of who went to the battlefield who tend the men who were transitioning from life to death. Stories of women who lashed men to trees and provided them with a posy that was composed of Lily of the Valley.

Disclaimer: Extremely toxic. All parts of the plants are can cause illness or death when eaten. The leaves of the Lilly of the valley plant are smooth, green and are oblong, Growing low to the ground on a stem and overlaps to surround it to offer protection. In the fall, the lily of the valley plants may grow berries that are smooth and reddish-orange.

If those trees could talk to me, I would ask the White Oak, the Honey Locus and the Black Walnut to share what they saw during those battle days. I would ask them about the women who served in the capacity of death doula in that extreme situation.