HEMEROCALLIS, DAY-LILY, or lily-asphodel; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandria class of plants.
Species. 1. The flava, or yellow day-lily, hath strong fibrous roots, sending up large hollow keel-shaped leaves, two feet long, upright, leafless, firm stalks, two feet high; dividing at top into several foot-stalks, each terminated by one large lilaceous yellow flower of an agreeable odour. Of this there is a variety called the hemerocallis minor, or small yellow day-lily. 2. The fulva, reddish, or copper-coloured day-lily, hath roots composed of strong fleshy fibres and large oblong tubes; radical, keel-shaped, hollow, pointed leaves, a yard long, reflexed at top; with leafless stalks three or four feet high, and large copper-coloured lilaceous flowers. These have large lamina, charged with a kind of brown-coloured farina; which, on being touched or smelled to, is discharged in great plenty all over the hands or face.
Culture. Both these species are hardy, and will thrive any where. They may be easily propagated by parting their roots in autumn, or almost any time after flowering or before they begin to flower.