Dayflower – Dayflower family (Commelinaceae) 
Commelina erecta L.
Region: 1 through 10 (Ellis County is in Region 4)
Size: 6-18 inches
Blooms: May through October, Perennial
Dayflower is first erect, then trailing, occasionally reaching three feet. There are a number of species in Texas similar enough to be difficult to distinguish. All have three petals, the upper two of which can range from white to, more commonly, a beautiful clear blue. Below these is a third, insignificant, whitish petal which may or may not be noticed. Several buds are clustered in a boat-shaped, sheathing bract, forming a spathe, from which the flower stalks emerge. Squeezing the spathe gently will produce a tear-like drop of liquid, suggesting another common name, widow’s tears. The base of the long, linear leaves wraps the succulent stem in a sheath. Dayflowers close early in the day. Edible stems, leaves and flowers of tender young plants have a pleasant flavor used raw, stewed or sautéed.
Article by: Melinda Kocian
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