Commelina communis L.

Asiatic dayflower

Asiatic dayflower is so named because it is native to much of East Asia and northern Southeast Asia, and because it blooms only once, during the morning, for a single day. It was introduced to central and southeastern Europe and eastern North America. It is considered a noxious weed in Europe and North America, as well as in parts of its native range. Asiatic dayflower is able to absorb some metals from contaminated sites, so it may prove useful as a means of cleaning and restoring soils at old copper mines.

Plants: 1–3′ (30–91 cm) long, either erect (especially if there are surrounding plants) or sprawling along the ground, with a reddish stem.

Leaves: Alternate, hairless, up to 5 ⨉ 2″ (12 ⨉ 5 cm). They are ovate or lanceolate-ovate, with smooth edges, parallel veins. Leaves are sessile or clasping.

Flowers: Sometimes produces a single predominantly blue flower, ½–¾″ (1.5–2 cm) wide, with two large blue petals arranged like Mickey Mouse ears, and a third much smaller white petal centered below. The flower has 3 sepals, 5-6 stamens, and a long white style. The flower has bilateral symmetry: cut down the center, the two sides are mirror images.

Fruits: A seed capsule ⅛–¼″ (4.5–8 mm) long has two sections, each containing two bumpy dark brown-yellow or black seeds.

Habitats: Moist soils and disturbed sites.

Edibility: Leaves, flowers, and young shoots are edible, raw or cooked, in salads or soups. They are said to taste sweet, with a mucilaginous texture.

Medical: Asiatic dayflower has been used as a diuretic, for sore throats, for treating bleeding, diarrhea, fever; and is a possible candidate for an antibacterial. None of these uses are confirmed.

Online References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Commelina communis description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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