Commelina benghalensis
Tropical spiderwort, Tropical Spiderwort
(c) Wynand Uys, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Commelinaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Commelina benghalensis (Tropical spiderwort) is a non-native California herb in the Commelinaceae family, recognized by Only Commelina species established in California, representing the dayflower family which is otherwise absent from the state.
Tropical spiderwort is a naturalized annual found in southern California coastal areas in disturbed environments at elevations below 610 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces delicate blue flowers approximately 1 centimeter in diameter with distinctive open blooms on the upper stem. Growing with ascending to decumbent stems that can root at the nodes, it spreads across ground with flexible branching habit. Its leaves are 2 to 9 centimeters long, ovate to lance-elliptic, with wavy margins and distinctive reddish hairs at the leaf sheath tips. The plant produces small fruits 4 to 6 millimeters long, with an ability to generate both open and underground cleistogamous flowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Commelina species established in California, representing the dayflower family which is otherwise absent from the state
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 610 m
Outside California: tropical weed, native to tropical Asia, Africa
Bloom period
Commelina benghalensis blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Tradescantia: Commelina has two large petals and one tiny petal (lopsided); Tradescantia has three equal-sized petals (symmetrical).; vs Veronica: Commelina has 3 petals; Veronica has 4 petals forming a flat face with darker lines.; vs Pectocarya: Commelina has showy blue flowers; Pectocarya has tiny white flowers and produces nutlets covered in hooked bristles.; vs Viola: Commelina has 3 unequal petals; Viola has 5 petals with the lower one forming a distinctive landing platform.; vs Bacopa: Commelina has 3 petals and grass-like leaves; Bacopa has 5 petals and small rounded opposite leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Commelina benghalensis native to California?
No. Commelina benghalensis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Commelina benghalensis bloom?
Commelina benghalensis blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Commelina benghalensis belong to?
Commelina benghalensis is in the Commelinaceae family, genus Commelina.
What habitat does Commelina benghalensis grow in?
Commelina benghalensis grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.