How to identify Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

How to identify Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are herbaceous perennials standing at a stature of approximately 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm) both in height and width. Characterized by their clump-forming habit, these plants exhibit grass-like leaves that tend to fold longitudinally. Their distinct, sizeable blooms range in color from various shades of red to yellow, with each individual flower presenting a narrow tube that flares out into a large, bell-shaped corolla. Notable for their ephemeral beauty, the flowers of daylilies typically last a mere single day.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Daylilies

Clump-forming habit with grass-like, longitudinally folding leaves.

Sizeable trumpet-shaped flowers, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) with vibrant colors.

Distinct two-ranked leaves, 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) long, arching along their length.

Detailed Traits of Daylilies

Leaf Features

Daylilies exhibits leaves that are 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) long, showcasing a narrow, linear shape. The leaves are arranged in a two-ranked manner, arching gracefully 1/3 to 2/3 along their length. They have a tapered form with blades that either lie flat or are folded. These leaves are critical identifiers for daylilies, notable for their arching habit and distinctive arrangement, providing a unique aesthetic among plant foliage.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Daylilies produces striking trumpet-shaped flowers, each 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in length, that bloom for just one day. The flowers display a variety of colors, from vibrant yellows to deep reds, and are pigmented by carotenoids. The blooms have a narrow, elongated tube that flares into a broad, bell-shaped structure with prominent, spreading lobes, sometimes reflexed at the tips. They bloom from spring through summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with their nectar.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.