May Birth Flowers

May has a habit of making everything feel brighter. The days are warmer, the evenings stay light longer, and gardens come alive with fresh flowers, busy wildlife, and the occasional barbecue wafting through the air. Summer is just around the corner, and you can finally start getting excited about it!

For anyone who loves star signs or birthstones, birth flowers offer a lovely alternative to make a birthday gift that much more personal. The two flowers most often associated with May are lily of the valley and hawthorn. One is a tiny woodland flower with sweetly-scented white bells. The other is a tough, blossom-covered tree that has been a familiar sight in British hedgerows for centuries.

They’re very different, which is exactly what makes them such an interesting pair. This guide explores what each May birth flower looks like, what it symbolises and how you can use it as inspiration for a thoughtful birthday surprise.

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Why is lily of the valley the birth flower for May?

Lily of the valley usually flowers in late spring, and is sometimes referred to as ‘May bells’, giving it a natural connection with the month. Its crisp white appearance also suits May’s sense of renewal and fresh starts.

The connection is especially strong in France, where people give small sprigs of lily of the valley, or muguet, to friends, family and loved ones on 1st May. It’s a charming tradition thought to bring good luck and happiness for the year ahead.

It feels particularly fitting to gift this flower for birthdays, at the moment when someone is stepping into a fresh chapter and looking ahead to everything the next 365 days around the sun may bring.

Lily of the valley meaning, history and symbolism

May’s birth flower is traditionally associated with the ‘return of happiness’. This comes from the way lily of the valley disappears during winter, then pushes back through the ground each spring; a gentle reminder that joy can find its way back, even after difficult times.

The flowers’ bowed heads have been interpreted as signs of modesty and humility, and, much like many white flowers, their colouring is often associated with sincerity, purity and innocence.

Lily of the valley is also Finland’s national flower, and is a favourite for wedding flowers. The late Queen Elizabeth II was especially fond of it, and it featured in her Coronation Bouquet as well as in various royal bridal bouquets, including those of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton.

Learn more about this beautiful flower and the stories behind it in our complete lily of the valley guide.

How to give a lily of the valley-inspired birthday gift

Fresh lily of the valley has a short flowering season, but when it is available, it can make a beautiful focal point in a bouquet. Its white bells pair well with peonies, roses, sweet peas and fresh green foliage, while soft pink or pale yellow flowers add warmth without overpowering its delicate look.

When it’s out of season, a florist can create the same feel with other dainty white flowers, airy shapes and plenty of greenery. You could also choose a lasting keepsake, such as lily of the valley jewellery, a botanical print, homeware or a potted plant, to keep that May birth flower connection.

Whatever you choose, lily of the valley is a lovely choice for someone drawn to cottage gardens, woodland walks and quietly elegant flowers.

Why is the hawthorn the birth flower for May?

Hawthorn is so closely associated with May that it’s often known as the ‘May tree.’ It usually blossoms during this month, covering hedgerows in white as spring begins to turn into summer.

Its flowers also have a deep connection with May Day, a traditional celebration held on 1st May to welcome the beginning of summer. Hawthorn leaves and blossoms were used to decorate homes, make garlands and dress the maypole, before dancing around it.

Hawthorn is traditionally linked with hope, protection, love and endurance, making it a meaningful choice for someone who brings comfort and strength to those around them.

Hawthorn meaning, history and symbolism

Strength and protection

Hawthorn has two sides to it. Its branches are armed with sharp thorns, but in spring they’re softened by clouds of delicate white blossom. That mix of strength and fragility has given way to much of its symbolism.

Because hawthorn grows into dense, thorny hedges, it has long been associated with boundaries, shelters and protection. It can grow in many different conditions and soil types, returning year after year, whatever the British weather decides to throw at it.

Folklore

Its folklore is a little wilder… Hawthorn was known as the “Fairy Tree” and was believed to mark the boundary between the human world and the ‘unseen realm.’ Lone trees were treated with caution, as damaging one was thought to bring bad luck, illness or even a curse. The fairies in these stories were far less friendly than their storybook descendants, so people generally preferred not to take any chances.

Practical uses

Hawthorn has also been valued for more practical reasons. Its finely grained timber is extremely hard and has traditionally been used for tool handles, boxes, cabinets and woodturning. It also burns at a high temperature, making it useful as firewood and for producing charcoal.

Several parts of the plant are edible, and cooked haws have been used to make jellies, wines and sauces. Raw haws can cause a mild stomach upset, though, so they’re best left alone unless properly prepared.

Fun fact: Hawthorn’s magical reputation has even found its way into popular culture. Harry Potter fans may recognise it as the wood used for Draco Malfoy’s wand!

How to give a hawthorn-inspired birthday gift

Fresh hawthorn isn’t something you’ll often find in a birthday bouquet. Its woody, thorny branches make it trickier to handle than familiar cut flowers. Instead, ask a florist to take inspiration from its blossom using similar-looking flowers such as spiraea, viburnum or spray roses, finished with soft pink touches and natural greenery.

For something that lasts, choose a hawthorn-inspired print, piece of jewellery or illustrated homeware. A container-grown hawthorn also makes a meaningful gift for green-fingered friends, provided they have enough outdoor space. It could even work as a fifth-anniversary present, giving the traditional gift of wood a living twist.

Choosing the perfect May birth month flower

Lily of the valley and hawthorn capture two sides of late spring. One grows close to the ground, filling shaded corners with fragrant white bells. The other transforms whole hedgerows and signals that summer is getting closer.

Their meanings complement each other too. Lily of the valley speaks of sweetness, humility and happiness returning, whereas hawthorn brings ideas of protection, love and endurance.

That gives you plenty to work with when choosing birthday flowers. Lily of the valley might remind you of someone’s kindness or quiet nature. Hawthorn could suit the person who has protected you, stood by you or kept going through a difficult year.

Flowers help us share feelings that aren’t always easy to put into words. Choosing the May birth month flower that reflects the recipient gives your gift a reason, a story and a message that belongs to them.

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