Hemerocallis hakunensis

Nakai.

AsphodelaceaeLeavesRootsFlowersShootsPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Hemerocallis hakunensis
gbif · cc-by-nc
campbellfmh
Hemerocallis hakunensis
gbif · cc-by-nc
campbellfmh
Hemerocallis hakunensis
gbif · cc-by-nc
campbellfmh

What to Eat

Edible parts: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Shoots

Leaves and young shoots - cooked. They must be consumed when very young or else they become fibrous. Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked. The flower buds contain about 43mg vitamin C per 100g, 983 IU vitamin A and 3.1% protein. If the roots are swollen they can be eaten raw or cooked.

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the leaves are said to be hallucinogenic. Blanching the leaves removes this hallucinatory component. (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.)

Where to Find It

E. Asia - S. Korea.

Coming Soon

How to Identify

Hemerocallis hakunensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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.

How to Grow

Succeeds in most soils, including dry ones, preferring a rich moist soil and a sunny position but tolerating partial shade. Plants flower less freely in a shady position though the flowers can last longer in such a position. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in short grass if the soil is moist. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7. The hardiness of this species is uncertain. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. This species is closely related to H. middendorffii esculenta. Individual flowers are short-lived but the plant produces a succession of blooms. Plants take a year or two to become established after being moved. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. The plants are very susceptible to slug and snail damage, the young growth in spring is especially at risk.

Propagation: Seed - sow in the middle of spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring. Division in spring or after flowering in late summer or autumn. Division is very quick and easy, succeeding at almost any time of the year. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Diuretic Vitamin CThe juice of the roots is an effective antidote in cases of arsenic poisoning. A tea made from the boiled roots is used as a diuretic.

Other Uses

Weaving. The tough dried foliage is plaited into cord and used for making footwear.

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