Whitemouth Dayflower

Description

Erect dayflower (Commelina erecta) is a native, perennial, warm-season forb. A member of the spiderwort (Commelinaceae) family, erect dayflower is said to be named for the three Commelin brothers who were all Dutch botanists, although only two were productive in their field. Erect dayflower’s two larger petals are said to represent the two Commelins who were published, while the third inconspicuous petal represents the unpublished brother (Ajilvsgi 1991). Erect dayflower has a showy blue flower that is attractive, but ephemeral. Erect dayflower starts out erect, becoming decumbent as it matures (Correll & Johnston 1996). There are three varieties: erecta, deamiana, and angustifolia. Plants are highly variable and the individual varieties are difficult to distinguish (Gleason & Cronquist 1991). Erect dayflower is often considered a weed (Correll & Johnston 1996), especially in rice fields. Distribution: For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site. Habitat: Erect dayflower can grow in both sandy and clayey soils in almost all habitats (Ajilvsgi 1991). It is found along streambanks, in gardens, on prairies, along roadsides, and in waste places (Jones 1982).