SafePlants

Commelina erecta

Also known as Whitemouth Dayflower, Widow's Tears, Day Flower, Slender Dayflower, Blue Commelina, Blousel Blommetjie, and White-mouth Dayflower.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has small parts that could be a potential choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Commelina erecta L.
• Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
• Synonyms: C. angustifolia Michx.
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (Commelina erecta angustifolia)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native throughout the Americas, Africa, and western regions.
• Found in rocky woods.
• Common species found across a large part of the world and most of the United States.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A perennial herb growing to 1.2 m (4ft).
• Flowers from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August onwards.
• Erect dayflower reaches heights of six to eighteen inches, and then usually bends over to trail to a length of...

Ecological Role

• Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations.
• Also suitable for wildflower gardens.

Quirky Facts

• The scientific name Commelina erecta is named after three Dutch brothers, all of whom were botanists.
• Whitemouth Dayflower is variable across North America.
• Flowers last less than a day.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dayflowers are very similar to those of the introduced Commelina communis (Asiatic Dayflower).
• The similar Birdbill Dayflower (Commelina dianthifolia) has flowers with 3 blue petals

Further Information

• NATL plants: http://natl.ifas.ufl.edu/biota/plants.php
• USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=COER
• Discover Life
• Encyclopedia of Life