Etymology: Commelina: after the two Dutch botanists Johan (1629-1692) and his nephew Caspar (1667-1731) Commelin, known to Linnaeus and Charles Plumier, a French Franciscan monk, botanist and traveler who apparently named this flower.
Plants: erect to drooping, branching perennial up to 40" tall forb; thick, fibrous roots
Leaves: white-haired sheaths closed near the base
Flowers: blue, 3-parted, 1/3"-1" wide, much smaller lower petal white; folded bracts, below the flower, partially connected towards the base; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: dry; dunes, streambanks; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.