A Culinary History: Eating Every Part of the Daylily
Perhaps the most surprising use of daylilies is their edibility. Many parts of the Hemerocallis plant are safe for human consumption, a practice with a long history in Asian cuisine. It is critical, however, to distinguish daylilies (Hemerocallis) from true lilies (Lilium), which are toxic and grow from bulbs instead of fibrous roots. It is also recommended to try a small amount first to check for any personal allergic reactions and to exercise caution with leaves, which may cause gastric distress or other effects in large quantities.
The Edible Daylily Menu
- Flower Buds: Harvested when green and firm, the buds can be steamed, boiled, or sautéed. Many compare their taste to a blend of green beans and asparagus. Fried daylily buds, sometimes called fritters, are a popular treat.
- Flowers: The opened flowers can be eaten raw in salads for a fresh, sweet, crisp texture. They can also be stuffed and fried, similar to zucchini blossoms, or dried and used as a thickener for soups. In Chinese cuisine, dried daylily flowers are known as "golden needles" and are a classic ingredient.
- Tubers: The small, potato-like tubers found underground can be dug up and cooked like potatoes. They are best harvested in late fall or early spring when plump, before the plant's energy is put into flowering.
- Young Shoots: Early spring shoots can be harvested and used in stir-fries, offering a crunchy texture.
Historical and Potential Medicinal Uses
For centuries, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the daylily has been valued for its therapeutic properties. The roots and other parts of the plant have been used in various herbal preparations. While modern research is ongoing, these historical applications point to the plant's potential for more than just ornamental value.
Documented medicinal applications include:
- Antioxidant Properties: Research has shown that extracts from daylily flowers and leaves possess significant antioxidant activity, which helps combat lipid oxidation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: In traditional use, daylily extracts were used to treat inflammation. Modern studies have isolated compounds with antibacterial properties.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: Historically, infusions of daylilies were used to promote relaxation and help with insomnia.
- Diuretic: The plant has been used as a diuretic to treat conditions like edema and jaundice.
- Topical Applications: In folk medicine, daylily preparations were sometimes used topically for skin conditions like burns and abscesses.
A Gardener's Best Friend: Landscaping and Ecological Benefits
Beyond their functional uses in food and medicine, daylilies are a powerhouse for gardeners. They are exceptionally low-maintenance and highly adaptable, making them a reliable choice for a wide variety of landscaping needs.
Landscaping advantages:
- Erosion Control: The thick, tuberous root systems of daylilies create a dense web underground that is highly effective at holding soil in place. This makes them ideal for planting on steep slopes or hard-to-mow banks.
- Versatile Planting: Daylilies perform well in borders, mass plantings, and even containers. The foliage of emerging daylilies can also be used to hide the dying foliage of spring bulbs like daffodils.
- Adaptability: They are incredibly tolerant of diverse conditions, thriving in full sun to partial shade and a range of soil types, from heavy clay to low-fertility soil. They also tolerate both drought and wet conditions, making them great for rain gardens.
- Pest Resistance (Mostly): While deer find daylilies palatable, the plants are remarkably resistant to common pests like lily beetles, slugs, and snails. They also attract pollinators, such as swallowtail butterflies.
Comparing Daylily Varieties for Garden Use
With over 80,000 cultivars available, daylilies come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and forms. Choosing the right type depends on your specific gardening goals. The table below compares common daylily types based on their growth habits.
| Feature | Reblooming Daylilies (e.g., 'Happy Returns') | Dormant Daylilies (e.g., 'Catherine Woodbury') | Evergreen Daylilies (e.g., 'Stella de Oro') |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Multiple periods of bloom in a single season. | One flush of blooms, usually mid-summer. | Extended bloom time, often continuous. |
| Ideal Climate | Performs well in various climates; reblooms best with cooler nights. | Best suited for colder climates, where they die back completely in winter. | Better for warmer climates, where foliage persists year-round. |
| Hardiness | Very hardy and adaptable, providing dependable color. | Highly cold-hardy, reliable in colder regions. | Best in milder climates; may not survive harsh northern winters. |
| Appearance | Compact, with consistent bloom; popular for borders and containers. | Traditional daylily look with a distinct blooming season. | Often smaller varieties; great for containers and edging. |
Conclusion
From ancient cultivation for food and medicine to modern uses in landscaping and erosion control, the daylily is an incredibly versatile plant. Its resilience and striking appearance make it a favorite for gardeners of all levels. By understanding the full range of its potential—from the delicious buds and flowers to its medicinal history and practical garden benefits—we can appreciate the true value of this hardworking perennial. Remember to always correctly identify any plant before consumption, and consult a medical professional before using it for medicinal purposes. You can learn more about its fascinating history and traditional uses from sources like the Olallie Daylily Garden.
