Hemerocallis coreana

Hemerocallis coreana belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This perennial lives for more than two years. Kew gives its home range as Shandong, southwestern Korea, and southern Japan. It grows in a temperate climate. Plants For A Future lists its range as South Korea. It grows at forest edges, in grassy fields, and on valley slopes. These sites range from near sea level to 6,562 feet [2,000 metres]. Sources differ on its name. The RHS accepts it. PFAF notes that some treatments merge it with Hemerocallis citrina.

PFAF gives its height as about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. It gives no mature spread. Flowers can grow about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres] long. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The supplied species evidence gives no flower colour or bloom season. It gives no facts about fruit, bark, or stem shape. The dried leaves are tough enough to weave.

This plant grows in sand, loam, and heavy clay. It prefers rich, moist ground but accepts dry soil too. It grows in sun or part shade. Sun brings more flowers, but strong sun may shorten their lives. PFAF gives a preferred soil pH of 6 to 7. It also says the plant tolerates slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil. Suggested sites include beds and sunny woodland edges. Shade with patches of light also suits it. It can grow among short grass where soil stays moist.

The supplied account leaves its hardiness unclear. PFAF says it tolerates frost but also calls its hardiness unknown. This caution comes from a note on growing it dated 1994. The evidence gives no firm hardiness zone. Growers can use seed or split clumps that have taken hold. PFAF says clumps are easy to split. Spring and the time after bloom both suit this task. Its weed review records no weed potential. The supplied sources name no pests or diseases for this species.

PFAF lists very young leaves and shoots as cooked foods. Older growth has too much fibre to eat. It also lists flowers and buds as foods, raw or cooked. Roots are edible only if the plant has swollen roots. Reports say large leaf portions can make people see things that are not there. The account mentions blanching but does not make the method clear. It thus gives no clear, safe way to prepare the plant. PFAF records root use in folk medicine, not proven treatments. Dried leaves also yield fibre for cord and footwear.