Asiatic Dayflower

Commelina communis

Alternate names
Common Dayflower

Leaves
Leaf blades are lanceolate in outline with parallel leaf veins and often have hairs on both the upper and lower surfaces. Leaves are 2-4 inches long, 2/3-1.5 inches wide, and lack petioles and ligules. Leaves clasp the stem at the base and hairs are often present in this area.

Stems
Thick, reaching 2 1/2 feet in length, swollen at the nodes, and often rooting when nodes come into contact with soil.

Flowers
Occur on long flower stalks arising from the region between the stem and leaf (leaf axils). Flowers consist of 2 blue petals and 1 white petal. Each flower will appear for only one day.

Fruit
A two-celled capsule.

Roots
Fibrous root system and plants often root at the nodes when in contact with the soil.

Identifying Characteristics
Prior to flowering, this weed is often misidentified as a common grass weed of landscapes or nurseries. For example, Deer-tongue Grass (Panicum clandestinum ) is very similar to common dayflower in both appearance and growth habit. However, the lack of ligules and attractive blue and white flowers help to distinguish this weed from most grasses.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Asiatic Dayflower

Commelina communis