Climbing Dayflower
Commelina diffusa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Climbing Dayflower (Commelina diffusa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Climbing Dayflower as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Native alternatives to Climbing Dayflower
Climbing Dayflower is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Climbing Dayflower is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Climbing dayflower is a low-growing perennial groundcover with small three-petaled blue flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. This native plant spreads by trailing stems and self-seeding, forming colonies in partly shaded areas with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Climbing Dayflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
- Small flowers and trailing habit appear informal
- May be viewed as invasive groundcover by HOAs
Wildlife value
The small blue flowers attract native bees and provide nectar for butterflies throughout the long blooming season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Climbing Dayflower need?
- Climbing Dayflower grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Climbing Dayflower bloom?
- Climbing Dayflower blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Is Climbing Dayflower toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Climbing Dayflower as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Climbing Dayflower attract?
- Climbing Dayflower draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Climbing Dayflower HOA-friendly?
- Climbing Dayflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Climbing Dayflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.