Daylily – Hemerocallis fulva

The species name means “beautiful for a day,” and it is so true. Each flower only lasts a day, it then withers away; a new flower will replace it on the marrow. This is another of the plants an elder neighbor gifted us with this year. I was completely surprised when they flowered not 2 weeks after transplant. They are extremely hardy and spread by stolons underground. If left undisturbed they will make large colonies of plants.

I have placed some in shade at the edge of the trees that line the property border; they will bloom less abundantly, but will naturalize the area well.

In China and Japan they are used to treat cancer, arsenic poisoning, uterine bleeding, vaginal yeast infections, as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract disorders. The fresh flowers can be added to a salad; the buds can be added to stir fry, mixed veggies, and added to soups or stews. All parts of the daylily are edible, and have been cultivated for thousands of years in Asia for food and medicine.

Not only are these plants beautiful, they are healthy in many ways. With the exception of cats; daylilies are harmful to the kidneys of domestic cats.