Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Hemerocallis
Species: Hemerocallis middendorffii (Trautv. & C.A.Mey.)
United States: Amur Daylily, Early Yellow Daylily
Canada: Amur Daylily
East Asia: Amur Daylily (regional variants)
Russia (Far East): Amur Daylily
Indigenous / Traditional Names: Vary by region; traditionally referenced as a spring-flowering wild lily in parts of East Asia
Herbaceous perennial forming dense clumps from fleshy, fibrous roots.
Upright, arching foliage emerges early in spring.
Non-vining; spreads slowly by clump expansion rather than runners.
Typically grows 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall in flower.
Clumps may spread 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide over time.
Shape: Long, narrow, strap-like leaves
Arrangement: Basal fan, arching outward
Color: Medium to deep green
Texture: Smooth, flexible, grass-like
Inflorescence: Terminal scapes bearing multiple buds
Bloom Color: Rich golden yellow to yellow-orange
Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) across
Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer
Flower Duration: Individual blooms last one day; succession extends overall flowering period
Fragrance: Lightly fragrant to fragrant
Northeast Asia:
Widely cultivated in temperate regions of North America and Europe.
Occasionally persists outside cultivation but far less aggressive than common orange daylily (Hemerocallis fulva).
(Primarily relevant in garden or managed landscape contexts)
Full sun preferred for best flowering.
Tolerates light partial shade.
Moderate water needs.
Drought tolerant once established, though flowering improves with consistent moisture.
Adaptable to a range of soils.
Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile loam.
Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions.
Cold-hardy and heat tolerant.
Typically suitable for USDA Zones 3–8.
Primary and preferred method.
Clumps can be divided in early spring or after flowering.
Possible but slower and less predictable; seedlings may vary from parent type.
Generally resistant to pests and disease.
Occasional issues may include:
Overall considered a low-problem perennial.
Attracts bees and other pollinating insects during its flowering period.
Some traditional East Asian uses of young shoots and flower buds have been documented.
Consumption should only occur where cultural knowledge and correct species identification are certain.
Historically referenced in regional folk practices; not commonly used in modern herbal medicine.
Low to Moderate: