Commelina communis
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 Close up of a Commelina communis flower
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| Commelina communis |
The Asiatic dayflower is a wildflower that's often mistaken for a weed because of its brilliant blue color. It belongs to Family Commelinaceae and its species is Commelina communis.
Though nonative to the United States, it has been found growing wild throughout the continental U.S. except in Arizona, California, Colarado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. It does not grow in Alaska or Hawaii.
The flower is composed of two larger blue petals joined at the ends, one smaller white petal, numerous yellow stigmas, and slender white stamen. The yellow star-shaped "anthers" at the ends of the stamen are fake; their purpose is to attract bees so they will pollinate the real anthers, which are long, white, and located just behind the fake ones. The leaves are smooth, shiny, and spear-shaped, which also leads people to wrongly classify them as weeds.
Linneas named Commelina communis after the three Commelin brothers, who lived in 18th century France. All three were botanists, but only two of them became famous for their work. The large, brilliant blue petals represent the accomplished brothers, while the small white petal symbolizes their scientifically insignificant brother.
As mentioned, the Asiatic Dayflower has bright blue petals and shiny, spear-shaped leaves. Though it is not a true weed, its appearance and invasive qualities lead people to treat them as such. They grow very profusely and can choke out other plants in a garden if not removed.
