Virginia Dayflower

Commelina virginica

The Virginia Dayflower is a pretty blue flower that blooms in the summer. It has soft, heart-shaped leaves and grows close to the ground, making it a lovely sight in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Virginia Dayflower has bright green, lance-shaped leaves and distinct, delicate flowers. Each bloom typically features two vibrant blue petals on top and a tiny, often white, third petal tucked beneath. This unique asymmetrical three-petal arrangement makes it easily identifiable.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderCommelinalesFamilyCommelinaceaeGenusCommelina

Virginia Dayflower

Interesting facts

Each flower on the Dayflower blooms only for a single day, then it's gone!

Its common name 'Dayflower' comes from its blooms only lasting one bright day!

Its leaves and stems are edible, tasting a bit like spinach or watercress!

The flower's bright yellow stamens are often curved, resembling little curious eyes!

Special abilities

Virginia Dayflower can open its fresh, nectar-rich flowers each morning, ensuring pollinators visit new blooms daily.

Virginia Dayflower has a flexible root system that allows it to thrive in diverse soil conditions, even disturbed areas.

Virginia Dayflower can self-pollinate if insects are scarce, ensuring it still produces seeds for the next generation.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-90 cm
Spread: 20-60 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Summer-early fall
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers.

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Visits the flowers for nectar and pollen.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on its leaves and stems.

Traits

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.