Spreading dayflower
Common Name:
dayflower, spreading
Scientific Name:
Commelina diffusa
Family:
Commelinaceae
Lifecycle:
Annual
Features
Succulent non-grass monocot. Plant primarily glabrous except for sparse hairs along leaf edges. Leaves ovate, opposite, and glabrous with a leaf sheath below the leaf similar to other monocot plants. Flowers born in enclosed bract-like leaves. Flowers in parts of three with three petals. However, lower third petal often not present. Flower <0.5 com and purple in color.
Description
Weed in turfgrass management and ornamental plants. More common in wet areas, such as low areas, ditch banks, and poorly drained areas. Does not tolerate frequent mowing or heavy traffic. Often confused with doveweed. Spreading dayflower has broader, larger leaves and is less tolerant of mowing and management practices.