Marsh Dayflower

Murdannia keisak

Alternate names
Asian Dayflower; Asian Spiderwort

Weed Description
A succulent annual that is usually emersed and grows along stream banks, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and lakes. Found primarily in the piedmont and coastal plain regions of the southeastern United States.

Leaves
Alternately arranged, lanceolate in outline, up to 3 inches long and 5 mm wide. The bases of the leaves clasp and surround the stems.

Stems
Succulent, rooting at the nodes. Stems grow prostrate along the ground and eventually ascend to approximately 18 inches in height.

Flowers
The flowers occur at the ends of the stems or arise from the position between the stems and leaves (leaf axils). Flowers can occur singly or in clusters of 2 to 4. All flowers occur on short flower stalks (pedicels) and consist of 3 pink to purple petals that are approximately 1/3 inch long.

Fruit
A capsule that is approximately 1/3 inch long.

Identifying Characteristics
Emersed aquatic plants that usually grow along the edges of ponds, lakes, or in marshes. Additionally, the stems that root at the nodes, lanceolate leaves, and flowers with 3 pink to purple flowers are all characteristics that help in the identification of marsh dayflower.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Marsh Dayflower

Murdannia keisak