They both love shady areas and make wonderful ground cover, and both produce beautiful enticing flowers... but one is poisonous an one is medicinal. Although their soft white bells look like perfect little fairy lanterns, Lily of the Valley is actually poisonous (here is a list of common poisonous plants), while Sweet Violets are edible and have many medicinal uses. Whether you're gardening in your backyard or out on a nature walk, take the time to identify plants with your children, because they aren't always exactly as they seem.