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Dayflower

August 2, 2022 by elliscountymastergardeners

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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Filed Under: Newsletter, Wildflower of the Month

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