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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)

Dry, Loam, Moist, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Riparian, Wetland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Flowers, Nectar, Seeds

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.

Description

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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason