Asiatic Dayflower

Commelinaceae

LIFE FORM: Summer annual

NATIVITY: Asia

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Grows to about 18 inches tall, with a spread of 2 feet.

FLOWERS:

Flowers have two prominent blue petals and one small white petal that last only one day; they are produced through the summer and early fall.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Self-sows readily.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

Grows well in moist, shady areas. Prefers minimally maintained public parks and open space; woodlands that develop on abandoned open space; freshwater wetlands, ponds and streams.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Disturbance-adapted colonizer.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

The succulent growth of this plant is killed by the first frost; a tea made from the leaves is used for sore throats in China.