Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of perennial flowering plants: Hemerocallis is the botanical genus name for a group of herbaceous plants commonly known as daylilies. They are characterized by forming clumps from rhizomes (underground stems), with flowers borne on tall, leafless stalks (scapes). The individual flowers typically last only one day.

Usage

• The genus is widely cultivated in gardens for its attractive and colorful flowers.
• Botanists study for its horticultural diversity and hardiness.
• Many hybrids of have been developed by plant breeders.

Examples

• "My grandmother's garden is filled with various , each blooming in a succession of colors throughout the summer."
• "The tawny orange is a common species often seen naturalized along roadsides."
• "As a genus, is valued for its ability to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions."

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and horticultural contexts, the italicized genus name is used to distinguish it from the common name "daylily." The name is derived from Greek ( "day" + "beauty"), referring to the short-lived beauty of each flower.
• The term is used when discussing plant taxonomy, classification, or specific species within the genus (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Daylily (n.): The common name for plants belonging to the genus .
• Hemerocallidaceae (n.): The name of a plant subfamily or family to which the genus is sometimes assigned.

Synonyms

• Daylily (common name)

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The term refers specifically to the botanical genus. It is a scientific/Latin name used for precise identification.
• Context is Key: In everyday conversation, "daylily" is almost always used. is primarily used by gardeners, botanists, in plant catalogs, and on scientific labels.

Noun

1. east Asian rhizomatous clump-forming perennial herbs having flowers on long leafless stalks; cosmopolitan in cultivation: day lilies; sometimes placed in subfamily Hemerocallidaceae