Hemerocallis plicata

Hemerocallis plicata belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This perennial lives for more than one year. It comes from Sichuan and Yunnan in China. It grows in woods and open grassland in a temperate climate. Sites include pine woods, wood edges, and grassy slopes. It also grows on hilltops with few trees. Other sites include sub-alpine woods and alpine meadows.

Plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. The thin roots have fleshy swellings near their tips. These have a spindle shape, with ends narrower than the middle. Folds in the leaves help tell it from a close relative. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects pollinate the flowers. The plant crosses freely with others in its genus. The evidence gives no flower colour or fruit details. It gives no clear bloom season for this species.

This plant grows in sand, loam, and heavy clay. It prefers rich, moist ground but copes with dry soil. Sun suits it best, though it accepts part shade. Shade means fewer flowers, but each bloom may last longer. It accepts soils that are slightly acid or slightly alkaline. Neutral soil suits it too. Its preferred pH lies between 6 and 7. Plants For A Future calls it frost hardy. The source gives no hardiness zone.

It suits beds, sunny wood edges, and dappled shade. It also grows among short grass if the soil stays moist. Plants may need one or two years to settle after a move. Sow seed under glass in mid-spring. Keep seedlings under glass through their first winter. Then plant them out in late spring. Divide settled clumps in spring or after they flower. Plant large pieces straight into their final sites. Small pieces benefit from pots until their roots grow well.

Plants For A Future lists edible parts but warns about leaves. Eat very young leaves and shoots cooked; older ones turn fibrous. The source lists flowers, buds, and roots for raw or cooked use. Roots have a mild radish-like taste. Reports link large amounts of leaves with effects that cause hallucinations. One claim says blanching removes this effect but gives no clear method. Do not rely on that claim for safety. Reported uses as medicine include root tea as a diuretic. A diuretic makes the body pass more urine. These reports do not show that this treatment is safe. Dried leaves serve as plaited cord or material for footwear. The source does not flag this species as weedy.