day-lily, or lily-asphodel: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 10th order, Coronariae. The corolla is campanulated, with the tube cylindrical; the stamens declining downwards.

Species. 1. The flavo, 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 footstalks, 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, reflected at top; with leafless stalks three or four feet high, and large copper-coloured lilaceous flowers. These have large stamens, charged with a kind of brown-coloured farina; which, on being touched or smelled to, is discharged in great plenty all over the hands and face.

Culture. Both these species are hardy, and will thrive anywhere. They may be easily propagated by parting their roots in autumn, or almost any time after flowering, or before they begin to flower.