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Erect Dayflower, Widow's Tears

Commelina erecta

Description:

Erect dayflower reaches heights of six to eighteen inches, and then usually bends over to trail to a length of approximately three feet. It blooms from May to October with two large blue petals, one small colorless petal and three yellow stamens. This forb can be found in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains regions. When the spathe of this plant is squeezed it produces a drop of liquid, hence the name Widow’s Tears. Erect dayflower is an important food for white-tailed deer, who consume the leaves and stems. The seeds are eaten by bobwhite quail, white-winged doves and mourning doves. Cattle also eat Erect dayflower.

Habitat:

Small clearing alongside trail through wooded section of Miller Springs Park.

Notes:

When the spathe of this plant is squeezed it produces a drop of liquid, hence the name Widow’s Tears. Erect dayflower is an important food for white-tailed deer, who consume the leaves and stems. The seeds are eaten by bobwhite quail, white-winged doves and mourning doves. Cattle also eat Erect dayflower.

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joanbstanley
Spotted by
joanbstanley

Texas, USA

Spotted on Jun 16, 2014
Submitted on Jul 23, 2014

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Reference

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