We may think of the daylily as a modern or new flower since it was not until the early 1930's that Dr A.B. Stout initiated a new era of research on Hemerocallis. This brought about a natural break in the history of the daylily and resulted in many scientists and amateurs becoming involved with hybridising of daylilies.

The use of the daylily by the ancient Chinese people began before the development of written language: the earliest records report the plant's use for food. The flower buds were palatable, digestible and nutritious. As a medicine the root and crown were found to be a good pain reliever. The utilization of the daylily for food and medicine became a part of the tradition of the Chinese people.

In one section of China, the primary effect of the daylily on the people was emotional>an outlet for grief. The bright flower is cheerful and uplifting to the spirit. In Chinese literature, the daylily and forget-worry are synonymous. One book of medicine compiled in the Sung Dynasty (about 1059 A.D.) says, "The root of the daylily is cooling and none-poisonous. It is diuretic and is advised for curing incontinence and dysuria.' The juice extracted from fresh roots after pounding is administered internally to patients suffering from cirrhosis and jaundice. Boiled young shoots are also advised." In this same treatise a special prescription is given for high fever and haemorrhage.

From China the daylily was brought to Asia Minor where as early as 70 A.D. the Creek herbalist. Dioscorides referred to a form now called the lemon or custard daylily (H. flava). This lovely, fragrant daylily is still grown and prized in gardens today for its long-lasting light yellow blooms in early spring.

It was in 1753 that the daylily received its present generic name, when the great Swedish naturalist, Linnaeus, published his Species Plantarum. At that time he also assigned the lemon and tawny daylilies to the same genus.

Many species of the daylily have been found in China and Japan. They are rarely found in today's gardens, as the new hybrids have far surpassed them in beauty but they were certainly valuable as they are the ancestors of our beautiful hybrids. Further explorations into Asia for new clones could prove valuable to breeders today.