SafePlants

Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis)

The Asiatic dayflower, scientifically known as Commelina communis, is an herbaceous annual plant belonging to the dayflower family (Commelinaceae). It is also commonly referred to as simply Dayflower or Common Dayflower.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Commelina communis L.
• Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
• Common Names: Asiatic Dayflower, Dayflower, Common Dayflower, Mouse Ears, Dew Herb

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to East and Southeast Asia, it has spread across Europe and much of North America.
• Frequently found in gardens, fields, and disturbed areas.
• Prefers rich, moist soils.

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive plant in many regions, including the Piedmont area.
• Can cause financial losses in orchards, particularly in northeastern China.
• May become a troublesome weed in corn and soybean fields.
• Glyphosate-tolerant varieties exist, making control challenging.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous annual plant, though sometimes described as perennial.
• Grows to approximately 30-90 cm (1-3 feet) in length.
• Can be erect or sprawl across the ground like a vine.
• Round stems are smooth and hairless.
• Leaves clasp around the stem.
• Flowers are characteristically blue with two conspicuous petals and a smaller, often white, third petal, along with showy yellow anthers.
• Flowers are produced in inflorescences, typically with two or three flowers that last only one day.
• Lanceolate leaves with parallel veins.

Quirky Facts

• The plant gets its common name because the blooms typically last for only one day.
• The flowers are described as "truly blue."

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The genus *Kordyana* can infect Asiatic Dayflower.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database
• Encyclopaedia Britannica