Dayflower

Commelina erecta L.

Also knowns as: Widow’s tears

 

The soft, jointed stems of this perennial grow upright only if supported by other plants. Usually they lie on the ground and grow up to 3 ft. long. The ephemeral flowers, about 1 in. across, have two larger, showy, blue petals and one much smaller white petal. They only bloom for a day, but there are several buds on a plant that open 3-4 days apart. The principal leaves are linear to somewhat lance-shaped.

Commelina erecta can be grown from seed or transplanted tubers. Its flower is a beautiful medium blue, most frequently seen in spring or fall but occasionally occuring in July and August. It is well suited to naturalized mass plantings in meadows or by wooded areas; beware that the plant can become very invasive. This is a variable species, particularly in regards to the size and shape of the leaves.

 

Dayflower plants can be physically removed when small. Care must be taken to remove all stem fragments to avoid reestablishment.