(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
Every time I discover a new wildflower, I’m curious where else it grows, what other plants it’s related to – and has anyone used it for medicinal or practical purposes. I’m often surprised at what I learn
The Asiatic Dayflowers (Commelina communis) was one of the surprises. This beautiful little blue flower – about the size of a quarter – turns out not to be native to the United States – but also to have several practical uses. I’ve photographed Asiatic Dayflowers along Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park, at the Ogle Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and in a park in my neighborhood.
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
Commelina communis are members of the Commelinaceae (spiderwort) family. Originally native to much of Southeast and East Asia, dayflowers have been introduced around the world. In the US, they are in every state from the east coast as far west as the line of states from North Dakota to Texas. It also found in Washington and Oregon. It tends to grow in summer in shade and semi-shade areas such as roadsides and disturbed areas. It also found in gardens.
Dayflowers are easily identified by their two large bright blue petals at the top, and smaller, reduced white petal at the bottom. Each flower blooms only for a day.
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
In China, dayflowers have been used medicinally as anti-inflammatories and diuretics. It has also been used to treat tonsillitis and sore throats. In both China and India, dayflowers have been grown as a vegetable and fodder crop. In both China and Japan, the flowers have been used as a pigment and a dye. It was also used as a colorant for use in woodblock prints.
It’s amazing to me how useful such a beautiful little flower turned out to be.
If you’d like more information about dayflowers, some sites with info on the web include
Wikipedia
USDA GRIN Taxonomy
UW – Stevens Point Herbarium
USDA Plant Profile
