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