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Weed Identification in Nurseries and Landscapes

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Asiatic (common) dayflower - Commelina communis L.
Weed Identification in Nurseries and Landscapes > Asiatic dayflower
Asiatic dayflower leaves. Asiatic dayflower flower.
Asiatic dayflower leaves. Asiatic dayflower flower.
Asiatic dayflower basal sheath.
Conspicuous basal sheath of Asiatic dayflower.
Asiatic dayflower plant
Asiatic dayflower plant.
Life cycle: Erect to spreading summer annual.

Leaves: Leaves are alternate, oblong to lance-shaped, 2 to 4 inches long, gradually tapering to a point with parallel veins and smooth leaf margins. Leaves clasp the stem, forming conspicuous basal sheaths.

Flowers and fruit: Unique and attractive flowers, consisting of two large, bright blue petals at the top and a single small, white petal below, are enclosed in a green, leaflike bract. Flowers occur at the ends of long flower stalks. Each flower is open for one day only. Fruit are two-celled capsules that yield brown to reddish, wrinkled seeds.

Stems: Erect to prostrate, spreading stems are numerously branched and root at the nodes. Stems are thick, fleshy and swollen at the nodes.

Reproduction: Primarily by seeds, although vegetative reproduction occurs during the summer.

The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated: 10/12/07