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birdbill dayflower

Scientific Name: Commelina dianthifolia

Family: Commelinaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Commelina dianthifolia: Bird-bill Dayflower

Commelina dianthifolia, commonly known as Bird-bill Dayflower or Widow's Tears, is a hardy perennial herb prized for its vibrant blue flowers.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of tuberous roots.
  • The seed pod has a distinctive bill-like shape.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the presence of seed pods.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Commelina dianthifolia
  • Common Names: Bird-bill Dayflower, Birdbill Dayflower, Widow's Tears, Western Dayflower, Western Spiderwort
  • Family: Commelinaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Commelina elegans (mentioned but context unclear)
    • Commelina virginica (mentioned but context unclear)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.
  • Found in oak/pinyon pine/juniper woodlands, montane, and subalpine habitats.
  • Observed in Arizona's sycamore canyon woodlands and the Bradshaw Mountains of northern Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb growing from a tuberous root.
  • Flowers are intensely blue, about 1 inch wide, with 3 triangle-shaped petals.
  • The plant features a characteristic bill-like seed pod.
  • The seed pod has a long tapered point resembling a boat (or bird beak) called the spathe.
  • Habit may be small and near the ground.

Ecological Role

  • It's found growing alongside other wildflowers such as yarrow.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "dayflower" comes from the fact that the flowers close up in the afternoon.
  • The plant is also called bird-bill dayflower because of its characteristic bill-like seed pod.

Further Information

  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: wildflower.org
  • Thompson & Morgan: www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds//1421TM