Family: Commelinaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 61 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Commelina
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Virginia dayflower, known scientifically as Commelina virginica, is a captivating and intriguing member of the Commelinaceae family. First noted in the scientific literature in 1762, this plant’s distinguishing features and adaptability make it a subject of interest both for botanists and plant enthusiasts.
Native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, the Virginia dayflower thrives in a variety of habitats, showcasing its resilience and versatility. It commonly appears in moist, partially shaded environments such as woodlands, stream banks, and meadows. The plant’s ability to prosper in these diverse locales suggests it has evolved several adaptive traits that ensure its survival across different ecosystems.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Virginia dayflower is its striking blue flowers. These blossoms, although short-lived—as implied by the name ‘dayflower’—exude a unique charm. Each flower typically opens in the morning and wilts by the mid-afternoon, a fleeting beauty that must be appreciated in its transient state. The flowers’ vibrant blue hue stands out in stark contrast to the lush green foliage, drawing the eye and highlighting its ornamental value.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Commelina virginica plays a vital role in its native ecosystems. It contributes to the local biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This interaction underscores the plant’s ecological importance, as it supports the health and sustainability of pollinator populations which are crucial for the reproduction of many other plant species.
The Virginia dayflower also offers some ethnobotanical significance. Historically, Native American tribes utilized various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, recognizing its potential therapeutic properties. Although modern scientific validation of these uses is limited, this historical context provides an intriguing glimpse into the traditional knowledge and practices surrounding this plant.
In summary, Commelina virginica, or the Virginia dayflower, is much more than just an attractive plant. Its presence enriches the biodiversity of its native habitats, supports ecological interactions, and carries a legacy of traditional use. Observing a Virginia dayflower in its natural setting is a reminder of the delicate yet intricate tapestry of life that such plants contribute to our environment.
Common Names
Eng: virginia dayflower
En: Virginia dayflower
Zh: 耳苞鸭跖草
It: Erba Miseria americana
Pt-br: Trapoeraba
Synonyms
- Commelina virginica var. latifolia (Torr.)
- Commelina auriculata (E.Mey.)
- Allotria scabra (Raf.)
- Commelina truncata (Willd.)
- Commelina caerulea (Salisb.)
- Commelina hirtella (Vahl)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Japan (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Mary_T (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2013 by EOL − Matthew Herron (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Liar Rumput (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Dario Ci (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Sharon Allen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Aug 21, 2017 by Elisabeth Ahlers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by fourgoldfinches (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 31, 2014 by EOL − Rolling Meadows Farm (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 6, 2014 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 25, 2014 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:172418-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2764028)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Commelina virginica L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Stoloniferous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.2
Ph minimum: 5.2