PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Narrow-leaved Dayflower (Commelina erecta var. deamiana)

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Photo by Kitty Kohout

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Narrow-leaved Dayflower (Commelina erecta var. deamiana), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in sand prairies and on sandstone outcrops, mostly along the lower Wisconsin River. Blooming occurs late-June through early-September, fruiting late-August through late-September. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through early-September.

 
 
 

Narrow-leaved dayflower is an erect forb with 3-petaled flowers that are solitary or in small clusters, borne in a spathe with the margins connate (joined) on the lower third. The upper two petals are larger, 1-2.5cm wide, and blue, the lower petal is smaller and whitish. Its fruits are 3-locular capsules, although usually only 2 locules are smooth and dehiscent. Seeds are smooth, brown, and 3-5mm long. Its leaves are linear or lance-shaped, 10-15cm long, and the base encirling the stem has a white hairy sheath.

It can be distinguished from C communis by its tall, erect stem (not weak and arching upward from a low creeping stem), thickened fibrous roots, and spathe with the margins connate on the lower third.

Blooming occurs late-June through early-September, fruiting late-August through late-September.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-June through early-September.

Associated species include Juniperus virginiana, Monarda punctata, Tradescantia ohioensis, and Andropogon scoparius.

Narrow-leaved dayflower is found in sand prairies and on sandstone outcrops, mostly along the lower Wisconsin River.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes in open sandy areas dominated by native grasses.

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.