Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Orange Daylily
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Liliopsida, Order: Asparagales, Family: Asphodelaceae, Genus: Hemerocallis, Species: Hemerocallis fulva · Asphodelaceae (Asphodel family, formerly placed in Liliaceae) · Simple, perennial, herbaceous monocot leaves
Species
Hemerocallis fulva
Leaf Type
Simple, perennial, herbaceous monocot leaves
Family
Asphodelaceae (Asphodel family, formerly placed in Liliaceae)
Shape
Linear, strap-shaped, tapering to a point
Size
Approximately 12-24 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide, typical for mature daylily specimens
Margin
Entire, smooth edges
Arrangement
Basal rosette, emerging directly from the ground at the base of the plant
Rarity
Very Common, frequently encountered both in cultivation and naturalized along roadsides and fields
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to bright green upper surface with parallel veining; no variegation or spots, showing typical healthy green coloration
Venation Pattern
Parallel venation typical of monocots, with veins running longitudinally from base to tip
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glabrous, somewhat glossy and pliable with a slightly keeled underside
Description
A robust herbaceous perennial featuring arching, strap-like basal leaves and tall, leafless scapes holding striking trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The flowers typically open for just a single day, hence the common name, though new blooms continuously replace them throughout the summer season.
Key Features
Arching, grass-like strap-shaped leaves emerging in a dense basal clump; leafless flower stalks (scapes); large, showy, funnel-shaped flowers with six tepals
Habitat
Found in meadows, along roadsides, woodland edges, and cultivated gardens; prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to Asia (China, Japan, Korea), but naturalized widely throughout North America and Europe as a popular garden escape
Condition Notes
The visible leaves and flowers appear healthy and vibrant with no significant signs of disease, chlorosis, or insect damage, grading overall as Excellent
Interesting Facts
Despite the common name 'lily', daylilies are not true lilies (Lilium genus) and do not contain the highly toxic alkaloids found in true lilies that are dangerous to cats. Daylily flowers and buds are entirely edible
Medicinal & Uses
Widely used in ornamental landscaping for borders and mass plantings. Flower buds and petals are used in Asian cuisine, particularly in soups and stir-fries, valued for their sweet taste and nutritional content
Ecological Role
Provides nectar and pollen for various insects and hummingbirds. While a wonderful garden plant, in some regions naturalized populations can form dense monocultures that outcompete native flora
Similar Species
True Lilies (Lilium species) which grow leaves along an upright, leafy stem rather than in a basal rosette, and possess bulbs rather than fleshy tuberous roots
Foraging Tips
Look for dense tufts of long, arching green strap leaves along sunny roadsides or old homesteads in spring and summer. Harvest unopened flower buds just before they open for culinary use
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and dogs. Mildly toxic to cats, causing mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested, though true lily toxicity does not apply here