Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L.

Common Name: Daylily
Family: Asphodelaceae

Country of Origin: China to Temp. E. Asia

Description: Hemerocallis fulva is an infertile triploid that does not set seed. It spreads by rhizomes. If left unattended, it can form large colonies and is considered an invasive in many areas.

Uses: Medicinal: Diuretic, febrifuge, laxative (mild)[62, 178, 205]. The flowers are anodyne, antiemetic, antispasmodic, depurative, febrifuge and sedative[218]. In China they are used as an anodyne for women in childbirth[240]. An extract of the flowers is used as a blood purifier[240]. The rhizome has shown antimicrobial acivity, it is also tuberculostatic and has an action against the parasitic worms that cause filariasis[279]. It is used in Korea to treat oppilation, jaundice, constipation and pneumonia[279]. The juice of the roots is an effective antidote in cases of arsenic poisoning[205]. The root also has a folk history of use in the treatment of cancer - extracts from the roots have shown antitumour activity[218]. A tea made from the boiled roots is used as a diuretic[205, 218]. (Plants For A Future)
Edible:Leaves and young shoots - cooked[85, 116, 179, 183]. An asparagus or celery substitute. An excellent sweet tasting vegetable[179, K], though some caution is recommended[127, 137]. The leaves need to be eaten whilst still very young since they quickly become fibrous[K]. Flowers - raw or cooked[62, 100]. The petals are thick and crunchy, making very pleasant eating raw, with a nice sweetness at the base because of the nectar[K]. The flowers can also be dried and used as a thickener in soups etc[62, 183]. In this case, they are picked when somewhat withered and closed[85]. A rich source of iron[218]. Flower buds - raw or cooked[62, 100, 105, 116]. A pea-like flavour[85]. Can be dried and used as a relish[178]. The dried flower contains about 9.3% protein. 25% fat!?, 60% carbohydrate (rich in sugar), 0.9% ash. It is rich in vitamin A[179]. Tubers - raw or cooked[183]. A nutty flavour[62]. Young tubers are best, though the central portion of older tubers is also good[85].
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.

USDA Zone: 5a-10b

Accession Data:

Accession # 199900059
Source: Steinbachs - EEB
Accession Date: 06-07-1999
Bench: 5000 - Garden - TBD
- Currently: active - healthy
- Qty: 1 confirmed on 06-30-2024
Restrictions:
- Poisonous Plant Parts - Not for Human Consumption
  Large quantities can be harmful.
- Potentially Invasive Plant - Plants are not to leave Greenhouse!

Classification:

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
SubClass: monocots
Order: Asparagales
SubOrder:
Family: Asphodelaceae
SubFamily: Hemerocallidoideae
Tribe:
SubTribe:

Flowering Data:

This accession has been observed in bloom on:

Year	Jan				Feb				Mar					Apr				May				Jun					Jul				Aug				Sep					Oct				Nov				Dec
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004

References (internal):

EEB Greenhouse Holdings native to: China South-Central / China North-Central / China Southeast / Tibet / Japan / Korea / Taiwan /

References (external):

The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Accessed 24 February 2015.
WCSP (2015). World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 24 February 2015.
Angiosperm Phylogeny Website at MoBot. Last accessed on Tuesday, 03 December, 2019.

data regenerated on Tue, 06 May 2025 11:09:04 -0400 [bcm v4.0]

Plant Biodiversity Conservatory and Research Core

Accession Data:

Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L.

Accession Data:

Classification:

Flowering Data:

References (internal):

References (external):

Images:

Additional images for this accession:

Current Accessions in the Asphodelaceae

Subfamily Asphodeloideae

Subfamily Hemerocallidoideae

Subfamily Xanthorrhoeoideae