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Summary

Eremurus spectabilis, Foxtail Lily's young shoots are cooked. In Siberia, they are considered a delicacy, with a flavour described as intermediate between purslane and spinach. These young shoots are sold in local markets and are a seasonal treat. The plant has deep, fleshy roots that store water, allowing it to survive in drier conditions. Once established, Eremurus spectabilis is drought-tolerant and can grow in sandy or rocky soils. It needs a winter cold stratification period to flower well the following summer. Foxtail Lily is an ornamental with tall flower spikes that can reach several feet and produce numerous small, star-shaped flowers rich in nectar and pollen. These flowers attract pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The native range of Eremurus spectabilis includes Eastern Mediterranean regions and extends to the Caucasus, including parts of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, and Turkey. Harvesting: Shoots spring.

Physical Characteristics

Eremurus spectabilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

E. caucasicus. Stephen.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses: Gum

Young shoots - cooked[46, 61, 74]. Considered to be a delicacy in Siberia, the flavour is intermediate between purslane and spinach[2]. It is by no means a disagreeable vegetable[2].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Adhesive Gum Size

Agroforestry uses: Foxtail Lily can be used as an ornamental plant in garden borders and can help attract beneficial pollinators. The root contains about 30% gum (an arabinic acid derivative), making a good quality glue[74]. The bulb is dried, powdered, and then used for sizing cloth, bookbinding, etc[114]. Stunning yellow flowers bloom from May to June (Northern Hemisphere), attracting pollinators such as bees with their sweet nectar. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Foxtail Lily flowers attract pollinators, providing nectar and pollen. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): No—The plant is not a significant food source for wildlife. It does not produce edible fruits or seeds, and while it has foliage, it does not provide a substantial habitat for nesting or roosting. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): No – Foxtail Lily does not typically provide overwintering sites or leaf litter for beneficial insects and does not serve as effective ground cover. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Foxtail Lily does not have a strong smell that would function as a pest confuser.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a very well drained, very rich, light sandy loam in a warm sunny sheltered position[90, 200]. A covering of sharp sand helps the plant to survive wet winters. Plants can also be mulched overwinter with organic matter in the autumn in order to give them extra protection, but this mulch must be removed in the spring otherwise it might encourage the new growth to rot[200]. Some protection should be given to the young shoots in spring in areas subject to late frosts[200]. Keep plants dry in summer after they have flowered[90]. A very ornamental plant[1] and a good bee plant[74]. Plants resent root disturbance and so should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible[200]. This species, in part at least, is also known as E. caucasicus Stephen[50]. Tubers should be planted 15cm deep[1]. The edible young shoots are sold in local markets in Siberia[46]. Plants require some cold stratification in winter in order to flower well in the following summer[200]. Slugs are very attracted to this plant so some protection must be given. Foxtail Lily is generally self-fertile. The flowers are typically harvested in late spring to early summer when they are in full bloom. Foxtail Lily flowers from late spring to early summer. Foxtail Lily grows relatively slowly and can take a few years to establish before producing flowers. However, once established, it can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet and produce a striking display of flowers.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[200]. Sow stored seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is obtained. Germination is slow and could take 1 - 12 months at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on for their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring after the last expected frosts. Do not plant deeply in the soil, the crown of the plant should be slightly exposed[245]. Division after the plant dies down in late summer. Great care must be taken because the plants resent root disturbance[200]. Only divide the plants when it is really necessary, and no more frequently than once every 6 years, being careful not to break the brittle roots[245]. It is probably best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in the greenhouse until they are established.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Ukraine (Krym)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Other
Eremurus anisopterus		Perennial	0.6	5-9		LM	N	DM	0	1
Eremurus aucherianus		Perennial	0.0	5-9		LM	N	DM	1	1
Eremurus olgae		Perennial	2.0	5-9		LM	N	DM	0	1
Eremurus regelii		Perennial	1.8	4-8		LM	N	DM	0	2
Eremurus robustus		Perennial	3.0	5-9		LM	N	DM	1	1
Eremurus stenophyllus aurantiacus	Foxtail Lily	Perennial	1.5	5-10	M	LM	N	DM	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Eremurus spectabilis - Bieb.