Download Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus - L

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus - L.
Yellow Day Lily
Author
L.
Botanical references 50, 200
Family
Hemerocallidaceae
Genus
Hemerocallis
Synonyms Hemerocallis flava - L.
Known
Large quantities of the leaves are said to be hallucinogenic. Blanching the
Hazards
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].)
Range
Original habitat is obscure, possibly China. An occasional garden escape in
Britain.
Habitat
Rocky mountain woods, wet meadows and riversides on foothills of the S.E. Alps
in Europe[50].
Edibility
Medicinal Rating
2 (1-5)
Rating
4 (1-5)
Physical Characteristics
Perennial growing to 0.6m by 1m.
It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in
flower from May to July. The flowers are
hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and
are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and
heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The
plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It
can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It
requires dry or moist soil.
Habitats: Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled
Shade; Ground Cover; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses: Edible Parts: Flowers; Leaves; Root
Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked like asparagus or celery[85, 105, 183]. They must
be consumed when very young or else they become fibrous[K]. Flower buds - raw or cooked.
They taste somewhat like green beans[85, 105]. They contain about 43mg vitamin C per 100g,
983 IU vitamin A and 3.1% protein[205]. Flowers - raw or cooked[85, K]. They can be dried
and used as a thickener in soups etc[183]. If the flowers are picked just as they start to wither
they can be used as a condiment[85]. The flowers are a traditional food in China where they
are steamed and then dried[266]. Root - cooked[85, 105]. They taste like a blend of sweet
corn and salsify[183]. We have found them to be tender but fairly bland with a slight
sweetness[K]. The swollen roots are quite small and are only really worthwhile using if the
plant is being dug up for divisions or some other reason[K].
Medicinal Uses Antidote; Cancer; Diuretic.
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].
Other Uses Ground cover; Weaving.
The tough dried foliage is plaited into cord and used for making footwear[205]. Plants form a
spreading clump and are suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each
way[208]. The dead leaves should be left on the ground in the winter to ensure effective
cover[208].
Scented Plants Flowers: Fresh
The flowers have a honeysuckle-like scent and this can pervade the air for a
considerable distance when warmed by the summer sunshine.
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils[1], including dry ones, preferring a rich moist soil and a sunny
position[111] but tolerating partial shade[88, 111]. Plants flower less freely in a shady
position though the flowers can last longer in such a position[205]. Grows well in heavy clay
soils. Succeeds in short grass if the soil is moist[1]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7[200]. Plants
are very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[187]. A very vigorous plant,
spreading by underground rhizomes[1]. The plant has a fibrous root system with occasional
spindle-like swellings[205]. Cultivated as a food and medicinal plant in Japan[127].
Individual flowers are short-lived, they open at night and last for 20 - 76 hours. The plant
produces a succession of blooms over a period of about 2 months[205]. The flowers are
fragrant[205]. The flowers have a honeysuckle-like scent and this can pervade the air for a
considerable distance when warmed by the summer sunshine[245]. Hybridizes freely with
other members of this genus[200]. Plants take a year or two to become established after being
moved[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. The plants are very
susceptible to slug and snail damage, the young growth in spring is especially at risk[200].
Propagation
Seed - sow in the middle of spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and
good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow
the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring[K]. Division in
spring or after flowering in late summer or autumn[200]. Division is very quick and easy,
succeeding at almost any time of the year[K]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their
permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold
frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Links This plant is also mentioned in the following PFAF articles: Hemerocallis Species The Day Lilies..