Commelina erecta
| Scientific Name: | Commelina erecta |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Common Name: | Day-flower |
| Authority: | Linnaeus |
| Etymology: | Commelina in named in honor of the Commelin brothers and erecta is Latin for "upright." |
| C Value: | 5 |
| Wetness: | UPL |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 4 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Perfect |
| Flower Shape: | Zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) |
| Flower # of Parts: | 3 |
| Flower Color: | White, Blue |
| Growth Habit: | Forb |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Simple |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Toothing: | |
| Stem Surface: | |
| Trunk/Bark: | |
| Armature: | |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | Wetland, Forest, Roadside |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | Part of the spathe is fused and the lowest petal is white and not blue. |
| Gee Whiz: | This genus is named after the 3 Commelin brothers, all 3 accomplished in botany, but one died early in life, hence the small white petal. |
| Humor: | There is a song about this plant by Boy George, "comma comma comma Commelina, you come and go, you come and go..." |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |