Understanding which daylilies are not edible: Separating the safe from the toxic in your garden

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

While many plants with 'lily' in their name are highly toxic, the common daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) is a well-known edible plant. However, confusion persists, making the question of which daylilies are not edible? a critical one for home gardeners and foragers alike. The distinction is not just about human consumption but also about protecting pets from lethal poisoning.

Quick Summary

The main danger surrounding daylily consumption is mistaking them for toxic 'true lilies' and other poisonous lookalikes. While generally edible for humans, all daylilies are highly toxic to cats and require careful identification to ensure safety.

Key Points

Identification is Key: Edible Daylilies (Hemerocallis) must be positively distinguished from highly toxic True Lilies (Lilium) and other poisonous lookalikes.
Cat Hazard: All Daylilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure, even from minimal exposure.
Cook for Safety: Cooking daylily buds and flowers, and soaking them before use, can help neutralize potential irritants like colchicine.
Start Small: Even for humans, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues. Test with a small, cooked portion first to gauge your sensitivity.
Know Your Source: Avoid harvesting daylilies from roadsides or gardens treated with chemicals, as they may be contaminated.
Not a True Lily: Despite the name, daylilies are not true lilies, a distinction that is vital for pet safety and correct identification.

The Perilous Confusion: Daylilies vs. True Lilies

One of the most significant risks associated with foraging for daylilies is misidentification. Daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis, while other, often highly poisonous, plants are in the genus Lilium (true lilies) or other unrelated families. For humans, mistaking a toxic lily for a daylily can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, while for cats, it can be fatal. Therefore, positive identification is the most critical step before consuming any part of the plant.

How to Tell the Difference

Daylily (Hemerocallis): Leaves are long, slender, and grass-like, with a noticeable central rib on the underside. They grow in dense clumps, and flowers appear on smooth, leafless stalks (scapes). The flowers last only one day.
True Lily (Lilium): Leaves are broader and arranged differently along a leafy stem, which can grow much taller. Flowers often have spots and a stronger scent, and individual blooms last for several days. All parts, including pollen, are extremely toxic to cats.
Other Lookalikes: Plants like Lily of the Valley, Calla Lilies, and Peace Lilies have distinct appearances but can be mistaken by the inexperienced. Their leaves and flower structures differ significantly from true daylilies.

The Daylily Spectrum: Edible vs. Potentially Irritating

While species like the common orange daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) have been consumed for centuries, the edibility of the thousands of cultivars is less certain. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions, even to traditionally edible varieties. Symptoms often include mild gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, especially when raw flowers or buds are consumed.

This phenomenon might be due to individual sensitivities or, as some experts theorize, errant plants or cultivars that react differently. For this reason, it is always recommended to try a small, cooked portion first to gauge your body's reaction.

Daylily vs. Poisonous Lookalikes: A Quick Comparison


Plant	Genus	Key Edibility Note	Major Toxin/Risk
Daylily	Hemerocallis	Edible for humans (with caution); highly toxic to cats	Colchicine (in fresh parts), gastrointestinal upset
True Lily	Lilium	EXTREMELY TOXIC (fatal to cats, severe for humans)	Unknown nephrotoxin, fatal kidney failure in cats
Peace Lily	Spathiphyllum	Toxic	Insoluble calcium oxalates (oral pain, irritation)
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia	Toxic	Insoluble calcium oxalates (oral pain, irritation)
Lily of the Valley	Convallaria	HIGHLY TOXIC	Cardiac glycosides (affects heart function)
Peruvian Lily	Alstroemeria	Toxic	Triterpenoid saponins (mild gastrointestinal upset)

Critical Warnings for Pet Owners

The most important distinction regarding daylilies is their profound toxicity to cats. Unlike dogs, who may only experience mild gastrointestinal upset, even a small ingestion of any part of a daylily plant—including leaves, petals, or pollen—can cause severe, acute kidney failure in felines. Symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite, and without immediate veterinary intervention, lily poisoning can be fatal for cats.

If you have cats, the safest course of action is to completely avoid bringing daylilies into your home and reconsider planting them in your garden where your cats may have access. For more on the health risks and nuances of daylily consumption, an excellent resource can be found at Chelsea Green Publishing.

Safe Foraging Practices for Daylilies

To safely incorporate daylilies into your diet, follow these essential guidelines:

Positive Identification: Always be 100% certain of your identification. Familiarize yourself with the differences between Hemerocallis and its poisonous lookalikes.
Avoid Contaminated Areas: Never forage from roadsides, public parks, or cultivated gardens unless you are certain they have not been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Process Fresh Daylilies: The roots and petals of fresh daylilies contain colchicine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress. Soaking and cooking thoroughly can help neutralize this compound. Dried daylilies, or 'golden needles,' are a safe processed option found in Asian markets.
Test Your Tolerance: If trying daylilies for the first time, eat only a small, cooked amount and wait 24 hours to observe any adverse reaction.

Conclusion

The question of which daylilies are not edible? is less about specific varieties within the Hemerocallis genus and more about crucial distinctions. While many daylilies are safe for most humans when cooked and consumed in moderation, the primary dangers are confusing them with highly toxic true lilies and the risk they pose to cats. By learning proper identification and following safe preparation and foraging practices, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the common orange daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) is widely considered edible for humans. However, some people experience mild gastrointestinal distress, especially when eating large amounts or consuming them raw, so it is recommended to start with a small, cooked portion.

All parts of the daylily plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and pollen, are highly toxic to cats. Even a small ingestion can cause severe, acute kidney failure, which can be fatal without immediate veterinary treatment.

For most individuals, the young shoots in spring, flower buds, and flowers are edible, especially when cooked. The tubers can also be eaten like small potatoes. However, the roots contain higher concentrations of irritants and are not recommended.

Daylilies have long, grass-like leaves growing from a clump and flowers on smooth, leafless stalks. True lilies, on the other hand, have leaves arranged along a tall, leafy stem and often feature spotted petals.

Yes, eating large quantities of fresh daylilies, particularly the raw buds or flowers, can act as a laxative and cause gastrointestinal upset in some people. It's best to consume them in moderation.

Yes, cooking fresh daylilies thoroughly can help destroy compounds like colchicine, which can cause gastrointestinal issues. Dried daylilies, or 'golden needles,' are also a safer, processed option.

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a daylily, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Time is of the essence, as early and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent fatal kidney failure.