Doronenko / CC BY 2.5
Daylily
Hemerocallis
Overview
Despite the name, daylilies are not true lilies but incredibly resilient perennials whose individual flowers each last just one day — but a single plant can produce dozens of buds for weeks of continuous bloom. Nearly all parts are edible and have been eaten in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. Be sure to eat only Hemerocallis species, as true lilies (Lilium) can be toxic.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are flowering plants native to Asia that belong to the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. Despite their name, they are not classified in the lily genus. Gardening enthusiasts and horticulturists have bred various species for their attractive flowers. Some species have edible petals, while others are highly toxic.
Daylilies are perennial, bulbous plants known for their flowers, which usually last about a day, hence the common name "daylily" or "ditch-lily." The American Daylily Society has registered thousands of cultivars, making it the only internationally recognized registrant according to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- Native to Alberta, Montana; also native to Altay, Amur, Buryatiya and 22 more regions; introduced in 33 US states
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring or fall; virtually indestructible |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 3-5 years; replant divisions immediately |
Uses
Culinary
- Flower buds stir-fried or battered and fried (golden needles)
- Open flowers stuffed with cheese or dip
- Young spring shoots eaten like asparagus
Medicinal
- Root traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a mild sedative
- Flowers contain compounds studied for antidepressant effects
- Rich in vitamins A and C
Other Uses
- Virtually indestructible ornamental perennial
- Erosion control on slopes and banks
- Over 80,000 registered cultivars for collectors
Safety Notes
Large quantities of the leaves are said to be hallucinogenic. Blanching the leaves removes this hallucinatory component[205]. (This report does not make clear what it means by blanching, it could be excluding light from the growing shoots or immersing in boiling water[K].)
