Asiatic (common) dayflower - Commelina communis

Asiatic dayflower plant showing the blue/purple flower.

Asiatic (common) dayflower - Commelina communis

Commelina communis L.

Commelinaceae (Spiderwort family)

MI Status

Non-native

Life cycle

Erect to spreading summer annual.

Leaves

Leaves are alternate, oblong to lance-shaped, 2 to 4 inches long, gradually tapering to a point with parallel veins and smooth leaf margins. Leaves clasp the stem, forming conspicuous basal sheaths.

Stems

Erect to prostrate, spreading stems are numerously branched and root at the nodes. Stems are thick, fleshy and swollen at the nodes.

Flowers and fruit

Unique and attractive flowers, consisting of two large, bright blue petals at the top and a single small, white petal below, are enclosed in a green, leaflike bract. Flowers occur at the ends of long flower stalks. Each flower is open for one day only. Fruit are two-celled capsules that yield brown to reddish, wrinkled seeds.

Reproduction

Primarily by seeds, although vegetative reproduction occurs during the summer.

Asiatic (common) dayflower plant with a bright blue flower. — Asiatic (common) dayflower

Asiatic (common) dayflower leaf — Asiatic (common) dayflower

Asiatic (common) dayflower plant growing in a clump with a few blue flowers. — Asiatic (common) dayflower plant

Asiatic (common) dayflower plant showing the basal sheath — Asiatic (common) dayflower plant basal sheath

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