Daylilies (Hemerocallis species) are very common plants many people put in their landscapes.

Supply yourself with edible shoots, flowers and roots.  The entire plant is edible.  Sometimes eating too much of an edible plant may cause problems. Perhaps diarrhea  or cramps in certain people.  Always sample in small amounts when starting with a new edible.

Plant different cultivars or species so you will have blooms from May to October.  There are early-season, mid-season, late-season or rebloomer varieties.

Enjoy their beauty and edibility throughout the growing season. There are hundreds of cultivars.  Rainbows of color are available so you can select ones to suit your color schemes.  Daylilies are hardy perennials with few pest problems.  Plants come in multitudes of sizes, shapes and usually require very little care.  They do require dividing when flowering diminishes.

Some daylilies definitely can withstand drought when established. When I  moved into my present home the resident daylilies had been growing in uncultivated clay with no attention for a number of years.  Although not spreading well they continued to return each year.  The clay soil when left to its own is either wet or dry here in Indiana.  During dry spells the ground, having no humus, cracks and is nearly as hard as cement.  Thus showing the tenacity of the plants that grew in the uncultivated soil.  Daylilies will grow in most any soil but waterlogged ones.

Research daylilies that will thrive in your climate and soil conditions. As stated before some are as tough as nails while others can be more fragile and more persnickety in their growing requirements.

If planted in nice humus rich loam they will yield a bountiful crop of flowers, leaves and roots. When the plants become too crowded they might cease flowering all together.  Simply divide the plants in early spring and replant. Make sure the crown, where leaves and root meet, is only a couple of inches under the soil.

You can find modest priced daylilies or outrageously expensive ones, which is fine if you are a collector of daylilies.  But for eating the best types are just plain old daylilies (like the orange ones you see growing along roads ” Hemerocallis fulva”). There is a cultivar that will suit your preference and needs.

Leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. Young shoots are best gathered in spring when 2 or 3 inches tall , use as asparagus substitute.  Older leaves and shoots tend to be  fibrous.  By accident I blanched some leaves by throwing straw on an area where daylilies were in  late fall.  The following spring I didn’t get to removing the straw until the leaves were about 12 inches tall.  They were a light green and not fibrous at all.

Flower buds and flowers may be eaten raw or cooked.  I like to eat the unopened buds lightly steamed with butter, salt and pepper – delicious!  Flowers may be pickled, breaded, fried or dried to flavor stews or soups. the white base of the petals may be bitter so you can cut that away.

The roots may be eaten raw or cooked.

It has been reported that eating large quantities of leaves can be hallucinogenic.  This property is done away with if you blanch the leaves.  But it’s not made clear if blanching is excluding light from the growing shoots or immersing in a boiling water bath for a few minutes (both would be referred to as blanching).

If you decide to eat them do so in moderation as they can act as a diurectic or laxative. Make sure that any plants you choose to eat have not been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. Always wash plants before eating. It is recommended not to eat plants in close proximity to roads as they may accumulate toxins from automobile exhaust.

Caution: Always start with just a couple flowers, shoots or roots.  Some people may have reactions to new foods. If a new food causes any type of  adverse reaction listen to your body – DO NOT EAT IT!  People can have allergies to a variety of different foods. Always consult your Doctor and/or Pharmacist before eating any new foods. They should be able to tell you if it will interfere or cause problems with any medications you are taking.

www.pfaf.org/user/default.aspx    Plants for a Future  has a listing of several species and information about each.  Search for Hemerocallis.

http://www.daylilies.org/     The American Hemerocallis Society FAQ section excellent information

http://www.daylilies.org/AHSsource.html   resources to find local suppliers of daylilies in the US

http://www.oakesdaylilies.com/  My favorite site, easily find daylilies according to color,  size, and other categories. Very reasonable prices and quality plants.

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