Marsh Dayflower

Biological Name:

Marsh-Dayflower: Commelina paludosa

Natural Habitat:

The natural habitat of Marsh-Dayflower is likely wetland areas, such as marshes and swamps, in a variety of geographic regions.

Description:

Marsh-dayflower is a type of flowering plant that is commonly found in fields and other grassy areas. It is a member of the Commelinaceae family which also includes plants such as spiderworts and dayflowers. Marsh-dayflower is an annual or perennial plant that produces small blue or purple flowers and clusters of seeds. The plant is often used as a cover crop to improve soil health and suppress weeds. It is also known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions including wet or dry soils. In some areas marsh-dayflower is considered a weed because of its ability to invade cultivated areas and cause allergies and other health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where is a marsh dayflower from?
A: M. keisak is native to temperate and tropical Asia and was accidentally introduced into the United States, in South Carolina, around 1935.
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Q: Why is it called Dayflower?
A: Asiatic dayflower has two large blue petals on top and a single, smaller white petal underneath. The flowers are short-lived, hence the name dayflower. The plant is sometimes called Mickey Mouse plant due to the blue petals resembling mouse ears.
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Q: Is Dayflower edible?
A: Eating Dayflower The leaves, succulent stems, flowers, and immature seeds are good to eat at any time during dayflower’s growing season. They are great raw, but also worth trying steamed and stir-fried. For the best mouthfeel, the stems should be chopped before they are eaten.
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Q: Is Dayflower invasive?
A: Commelina communis is a weedy sprawling plant which often roots at the joints of stems. The flowers are blue/purple. It is considered invasive in several States and resistant to herbicides. Nonetheless, some gardeners encourage its growth as a ground cover in moist, woody areas.
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Q: Is Dayflower an annual or perennial?
A: Description: Common Dayflower (sometimes called Asiatic Dayflower) is an annual weed that is not actually a grass but has a grass-like appearance when mowed. It has symettrical flowers, and inflorescences enclosed in spathes, which are typically pale green with dark green veins.
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Q: What kills spreading dayflower?
A: The most effective way to control spreading dayflower is with post-emergent herbicides. These herbicides can be effective if used when the dayflower is very young/immature and actively growing. Trimec Southern and Speedzone are excellent choices to control dayflower.
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Q: Is Dayflower a native plant?
A: Commelina erecta (Dayflower) | Native Plants of North America.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.