dayflower close up

Dayflower – Plant

LATIN NAME
Commelina erecta

LONGEVITY
Perennial

SEASON
Warm

ORIGIN
Native

DETAILS:

  • Known as “Erect dayflower”, also known as “Widow’s tears.” When the spathe of this plant is squeezed, it produces a drop of liquid, hence the name “Widow’s Tears”.
  • Reaches heights of 6 to 18 inches, and then usually bends over to spread outwards up to three feet.
  • Flowers May to October with two larger blue petals, one small colorless petal and three yellow stamens.
  • An important food for white-tailed deer, who consume the leaves and stems.
  • Seeds are eaten by bobwhite quail, white-winged doves and mourning doves.
  • Livestock also eat this plant.

QUALITY TRAITS