Home Weed ID Publications Dictionary Links FAQs Login About us		Plant Description: Name: common dayflower Scientific Name: Commelina communis Family: Commelinaceae Type: Grass-like plant Lifecycle: Summer Annual Habit: Produced from July through September Leaves: Seedling: The first leaf blade is oblong to oval with a rounded point; veins in the leaf are parallel. Later leaves are lanceate. Blades are Seedling: The first leaf blade is oblong to oval with a rounded point; veins in the leaf are parallel. Later leaves are lanceate. Blades are Seedling: The first leaf blade is oblong to oval with a rounded point; veins in the leaf are parallel. Later leaves are lanceate. Blades are generally wider than those of the grasses. Mature Plant: Stems grow up to 50 cm tall and 80 cm long and are swollen at the nodes, appearing jointed. Stems and leaves are thick and fleshy. Leaves lack petioles and are simple, lanceolate to lance-ovate, rarely ovate, pointed at the apex and rounded at the base, and often hairy on the upper and lower surfaces. Blades are 3-5 times as long (5-12 cm) as wide (1.5-4 cm) and have smooth margins and parallel veins. Sheaths at the base of the blade clasp the stem, forming a 1-2 cm long tube. Hairs are often present at the base of the blade where the sheath opens. Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Characteristics: Clasping stem and broad leaves that are wider than long. Flower Seed Head: Flower has two larger blue petals above and one smaller white petal below. Seed Fruit: Fruit are 2-celled capsules, usually with two seeds per cell. Seeds are 2.5-4.5 mm long, brown, pitted flat on one side and rounded on the other. Where Found: Asiatic dayflower is primarily a weed of landscapes and field and container nurseries. Usually found growing on moist, rich soil in shady areas, it does not tolerate cultivation or mowing. Control Options Related Plants Terms and Definitions Additional Images:
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