Whitemouth Dayflower
Commelina erecta
Also known as Erect Dayflower, Widow's Tears, Widow's Tears Day Flower
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A native wildflower with delicate blue and white flowers that bloom in summer and fall. It tolerates drought once established and is useful for naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.
Why grow it
Commelina erecta offers a native alternative to non-native dayflowers, establishing reliably in eastern North American gardens without requiring the regular deadheading that some ornamental dayflower species demand. Once the plant is past its establishment year, it requires minimal supplemental water in most climates, making it practical for low-maintenance naturalized plantings. The plant's modest habit and extended summer-to-fall bloom window make it suitable where a delicate groundcover or understory accent is needed rather than a bold focal point.
Watch out for
The plant self-seeds readily in favorable conditions, which can require periodic management if containment is desired rather than naturalization. In very moist or poorly drained soils, vigor and longevity may decline compared to its performance in well-draining conditions. Like other Commelina species, it performs better with afternoon shade in hot climates, where full-sun exposure may stress the foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Commelinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native wildflower with delicate blue and white flowers that bloom in summer and fall. It tolerates drought once established and is useful for naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Whitemouth Dayflower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Commelina erecta offers a native alternative to non-native dayflowers, establishing reliably in eastern North American gardens without requiring the regular deadheading that some ornamental dayflower species demand. Once the plant is past its establishment year, it requires minimal supplemental water in most climates, making it practical for low-maintenance naturalized plantings. The plant's modest habit and extended summer-to-fall bloom window make it suitable where a delicate groundcover or understory accent is needed rather than a bold focal point.
Watch out for
The plant self-seeds readily in favorable conditions, which can require periodic management if containment is desired rather than naturalization. In very moist or poorly drained soils, vigor and longevity may decline compared to its performance in well-draining conditions. Like other Commelina species, it performs better with afternoon shade in hot climates, where full-sun exposure may stress the foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Commelinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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