Common Dayflower (Commelina communis)

 Also known as Day Flower, Blue Dayflower, Mouse Ears, Duck's tongue plant, A tor, Danzhuye, Gangi gadda, Kannang keeray, Miandazi, Rau trai, Spider wort, Thai lai trang, Yashecao, Zhuyecao. Previously known as Asiatic Dayflower

 Plant Type: herbacious perennial wildflower

Plant Family: Spiderworts (Commelinaceae)

Visual Identification: The stems are smooth and hairless, and have both an erect and crawling, vining habit.

"The hairless alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across. They are ovate, lanceolate-ovate, or slightly cordate. Their margins are smooth and their veins run parallel to each other. The base of each leaf is sessile or clasping, and it has a membranous sheath that wraps around the stem. This sheath is about 1" long and has green longitudinal veins, otherwise it is white or greenish white. The upper edge of the sheath is usually hairless, although it has fine upright hairs for an uncommon variety of this species. Occasionally, a single flower on a stalk about 1-2" long is produced from the leaf axils. This flower is about ½–1" across, consisting of 2 large blue petals, 1 small white petal [notched into 3 rounded lobes], 3 sepals, 5-6 stamens, and a long white style. The sepals are usually pale white and translucent. The upper stamens have showy yellow anthers. [...] The flowers of this species have a "true blue" color that is found in few other plants." (http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/asia_dayflower.htm)

Native Region(s): Eastern Europe to Japan and Indo-China

Landscape Use: groundcover, foliage.

Height: 1-3 feet

Spread: 2-10 feet

Spacing: 9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones: 6-9. Some sources include zone 5, and exclude zones 8b and 9. Considered an annual in non-hardy zones.

Light: Prefers part sun conditions. Can also tolerate full sun and light shade.

Water: Average water needs. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Its natural habitat is moist or mesic.

Soil: fertile soil that is loamy or slightly sandy and well-draining with a pH of slightly acidic to slightly basic (5.6-7.5).

Pollination Type: The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).

Maintenance: Grows rapidly and may spread aggressively in conditions favorable to the species. Please note that this species is considered invasive in several states and is resistant to herbicides. Grow responsibly.

Seasons of Interest: flowers mid-summer to early fall; each flower blooms in the morning and lasts for a single day

Uses: An extract of the leaves and stems is known to be used in commercial cosmetic products as an antioxidant, hair conditioner, humectant, nail conditioner, skin conditioner, skin protectant, or anti-wrinkling agent.

A bright blue dye can be obtained from the petals. In the 18th and 19th centuries, blue pigment from the flowers was used to color many of Japan’s famous woodblock prints.

Culinary Uses: Commonly cultivated as a vegetable in China. Can be eaten raw or cooked. Chop finely and add to salads. Leave the flowers intact as an edible garnish. Cook and use similarly to other leafy greens (potherbs).

Toxicity: While some sources claim that common dayflower can be a skin irritant and produce allergic reactions in some humans, it is commonly eaten in Asia as a vegetable. The extract can also be found as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic products that serve as antioxidants, hair conditioners, humectants, nail conditioners, skin conditioners, and skin protectants.

Additional Resources:

 

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