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Native Plant Society of Texas

Virginia Dayflower

Commelina virginica

Other common name(s):

Family:

Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Post Oak Savanna
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Well Drained, Moist, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Can grow as annual in colder climates. Loves water. Native Habitat: wet places, especially swamps, river and stream banks, ditches, and bottomlands. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms May-October. While most members of the genus have thin, fibrous roots, the Virginia dayflower is relatively unique for its genus in having a perennial rhizome. Flowers have 3 light blue petals, the third petal is somewhat smaller than the top two petals. The flowers are flowers bisexual and emerge from spathes or sheathing bract, which are clustered terminally. Leaves spirally arranged on succulent stems. The fruit is a capsule.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Commelina deficiens, Commelina longifolia

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow seed March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 4 - 5 weeks at 20°c[164]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Or seeds can be sown directly into the substrate where they are to grow. The soil ought to be kept consistently moist after sowing to encourage germination. It is important to distribute the seeds evenly to avoid overcrowding, which may hinder development. Seedlings typically emerge without the need for any special treatment, ready to add their bright blue blossoms to your garden’s palette. 1) https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Commelina+virginica#:~:text=Plant%20Propagation,Very%20easy%5B200%5D. 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Commelina_virginica.html#:~:text=How%20to%20Propagate%20Virginia%20dayflower?&text=Virginia%20dayflower%20is%20a%20vibrant,blossoms%20to%20your%20garden's%20palette.
Clump Division Prepare the Plant: Water the dayflower thoroughly a few hours before division. Gentle Excavation: Carefully dig up the clump, ensuring you get a good portion of the root system. Divide and Conquer: Using your hands or a sharp, clean knife, separate the plant into smaller sections. Ensure each section has a healthy root system and several stems. Replant and Rejoice: Replant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, water thoroughly and watch them thrive. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-commelina-virginica/ 2) https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Commelina+virginica#:~:text=Plant%20Propagation,Very%20easy%5B200%5D.
Stem Cutting Choose Wisely: Select healthy, non-flowering stems in spring or early summer. Make the Cut: Cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem just below a leaf node. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the stem. Root Hormone (Optional): Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can encourage faster root development. Potting Time: Plant the cutting in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Humidity Boost: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or humidity dome to create a warm, moist environment. Be Patient: It may take several weeks for roots to develop. Once rooted, you can transplant them to a larger pot or outdoors. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-commelina-virginica/ 2) https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Commelina+virginica#:~:text=Plant%20Propagation,Very%20easy%5B200%5D.
Seed Stratification Requires 30 days cold moist stratification, sow in early spring Difficult; sporadic germination, better germination results when planted directly into garden soil; may take two years to germinate/ https://www.hungryhookfarm.com/product/seeds-commelina-virginica/285

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason