Texas
Wildbuds

Commelina erecta

(Dayflower)

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Commelina erecta, Lake Colorado City State Park, Mitchell Co. 3019

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Commelina erecta, Lake Colorado City State Park, Mitchell Co. 2932

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Commelina erecta, southeast of Llano, Llano Co. 2959

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Commelina erecta, southeast of Llano, Llano Co. 2974

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Commelina erecta, Copper Breaks State Park, Hardemann Co. 0315

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Commelina erecta, Copper Breaks State Park, Hardemann Co. 0290

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Commelina erecta, Lake Colorado City State Park, Mitchell Co. 2940

Scientific Name Commelina erecta USDA PLANTS Symbol COER
Common Name Dayflower, Widow's Tears ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 39132
Family Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat:Sandy or rocky granitic or limestone soils in grasslands, mesquite woodlands and pine forests; eastern 2/3 of the state and elsewhere.
Plant: Perennial with usually erect and branching stems; sometimes trailing or climbing; 8 to 20 tall when erect; stems up to 40 inches long when trailing or climbing.
Leaves: Alternate, grass-like linear to ovate-lanceolate leaves up to 6 inches long and 1/2 to 1-3/8 inches wide; white pubescent hairs along the margins.
Inflorescence: Single or clusters of showy, blue blossoms, arising from spathes (sheathlike bracts) at branch tips; spathes about 2 cm long, stongly compressed and ovate-cordate shaped and hairy near bottom; 3 greenish sepals; 3 petals, lateral 2 petals blue about 3/8-inch long, third petal much smaller and colorless; larger yellow stamen surrounded by 3 yellow staminodes.
Bloom Period: April to May.
References: "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Texas Status:
Native

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2024