Dayflower

 

This herbaceous-annual gets its name because the blooms only last one day. But they are sweet and quaint and often found covering large patches of the ground.

Commonly used as a vegetable and fodder crop in lndia and China, the Dayflower is not so liked in the United States. As it is often found in corn and soybean fields inhibiting the farmer's yields due to its high resistance to round up, weed killer.

That alone tells me that this is a highly resilient herb that must pack a lot of endurance and strength.  

Traditionally, Asiatic Dayflower is medicinally used for sore throats although it also possesses diuretic, anti-inflammatory, fever reducing and cough suppressing properties. Due to its cold nature it is additionally effective to sooth burns.

 

Identifying it is easy with its notable 2 larger blue petals on top and one small white petal on the bottom. However when it first begins to sprout it is often mistaken for grass.

Pods, leaves, stems and seeds are all edible. They make a beautiful addition to salad but you can preserve Asiatic Dayflower greens (tender stems and all) by blanching and freezing them.