Grassleaf Day Lily, Small daylily

Hemerocallis minor

Physical Characteristics

Hemerocallis minor is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - cooked[2, 20, 46, 61, 183]. They must be consumed when very young or else they become fibrous[K]. One report says that eating these leaves appears to stimulate or intoxicate to some extent[2]. Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked[2, 20, 46, 61]. Considered to be a great delicacy[177]. The flowers are a traditional food in China where they are steamed and then dried[266]. The flowers can be dried and used as a relish or a thickener in soups etc[178, 183]. The flower buds contain about 43mg vitamin C per 100g, 983 IU vitamin A and 3.1% protein[205]. Root - raw or cooked[183, 205]. A radish-like flavour but not so sharp[205].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antidote Cancer Diuretic Febrifuge Vitamin C Anodyne, antidote, diuretic, febrifuge[178]. 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].

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the leaves are said to be hallucinogenic. Blanching the 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].)