Dayflower
Commelina communis L.
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect at first, later prostrate creeping; glabrous to pubescent at nodes; often roots at nodes.
- Leaves
- Lance-ovate, .6 to 4 inches long, .4 to 1.5 inches wide, waxy beneath, rough whitish-hairy above; tips pointed.
- Inflorescence
- Few-flowered clusters.
- Flower
- 3-parted; enclosed by spathe; spathe leaf-like, .5 to 1.2 inch long, open across top and also down back side to where it attaches to stalk, usually pale with darker green veins; spathe stalks to 2.6 inches long; upper 2 petals larger and blue; lower petal smaller and white; stamens 6, 3 fertile, 3 sterile.
- Fruit
- Capsules, 2-celled, 1/4 inch long, 1 or 2 seeds per cell; seeds minutely-pitted.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Stream banks and other moist, shaded areas.
- Distribution
- East 1/3 of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
A common weed. The flowers bloom for one day, wilting into a moist, blue mass after a few hours. The flower can last longer on cloudy days or in shady settings. The plant produces several buds that open 3-4 days apart.
Special Notes: See commelina erecta a closely related species.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Commelinaceae - Spiderwort Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 6-32 inches
- Origin
- Native
- Last Updated
- 2007-11-21
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: July, August, September