The Tawny Daylily

 The tawny daylily (which we often refer to in our area as the common daylily) is also known as the roadside daylily, the railroad daylily, ditch lily, and even the outhouse lily. This is because it will grow just about anywhere. I remember it growing near my grandmother’s outhouse, but we never called it the outhouse lily at the time.

It’s very common in this area, and people often consider it a weed because it’s so invasive. It does take over gardens and crowds other plants out. It is not as showy as some of the hybrid lilies, but I enjoy seeing its bright colour along ditches and in gardens. 

I’m glad that it is invasive. This means it will grow in the soil we have here, and I never have to do anything with it. It just keeps coming every year. It is best to put it in an area where you don’t have to worry about it taking over.


When the flower has the right lighting on it, it looks quite beautiful with the variety of yellows and oranges. The flowers do not last long. Usually they open in the morning, and wither during the night.  

Often we take things for granted, and don’t look at them very closely. When we take the time, we can see God’s handiwork. Even a flower that is considered a weed in many parts of the world is beautiful. It is amazing how He has made so many flowers with such intricate detail. 




Updated: January 30, 2015 — 9:37 pm

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