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Marcus, Joseph A.
Tinantia anomala (Torr.) C.B. Clarke
False dayflower, Widows tears
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
Synonyms: Commelinantia anomala
USDA Symbol: tian
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Clearly related to the commelinas and spiderworts, Tinantia anomala is an erect annual native to central Texas in the United States and Durango in northern Mexico, with flowers made up of two large lavender-blue petals and one small white petal. Its semi-succulent, grass-like leaves emerge in late fall and remain green throughout the cold months. It grows rapidly in early spring and blooms mid-spring, attracting bumblebees. A few weeks later, its seeds draw squirrels and turkeys. This entire cycle is usually completed by summer, when the plant has usually turned yellow and limp and the fastidious gardener may want to cut it back. Great for naturalizing in a woodland garden, where it can colonize to form a bright green winter groundcover.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acuminate , Acute
Inflorescence: Raceme
Size Notes: 1-3
Leaf: Light yellowish green or yellowish blue-green
Flower:
Fruit: Grayish brown
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Blooms normally a muted but somehow glowing lavender, normally appearing mid-spring.
Distribution
USA: TXNative Distribution: Central Texas and Durango, northern Mexico
Native Habitat: Limestone gravel, among boulders and in crevices in ravines and on open, wooded slopes and floodplains in dappled shade
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low , MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)
Soil Description: Loose, calcareous woodland soil rich in humus, often with limestone rocks.
Conditions Comments: Becomes stressed in continuous full sun, burning easily and turning yellow.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A good spring annual for shade, with subtle, purply-blue flowers and grass-like foliage.Use Wildlife: Flowers attract bees. Seeds eaten by squirrels and turkeys.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: No
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsDescription: Sow seed in fall in moist, well-drained soil. Plants will self-sow. Also transplants very easily.
Maintenance: For neatness, cut back when starts to turn yellow and limp in early summer.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0824 Collected Mar 12, 1994 in Bexar County by Harry CliffeNPSOT 0504 Collected Apr. 7, 1992 in Bexar County by Lottie Millsaps
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1014 Collected 2011-04-17 in Hays County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiBibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
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Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Tinantia anomala in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Tinantia anomala in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Tinantia anomala
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-05-02Research By: DEW, JSC, ADA, JMS, GDG
