Common Name: Spiderwort Also Known As Tradescantia Ohiensis

Spiderwort is technically a wildflower that was native to the New World. Its natural habitat extended from northern Argentina all the way up to southern Canada.

This plant species wasn’t actually introduced into Europe until the 17th century.

Once it was, it was most commonly used as an ornamental plant in containers and borders.

It is considered a herbaceous perennial.

Yet another herb in my garden inventory because it isn’t finicky...even though it may appear to be.

The flowers of this plant are heat sensitive.

They open widely in the morning, then close up during the hottest part of the day, only to open in the late afternoon.

In the photo (above) you can See What I See.

A few flowers are open and one or two buds are still closed.

It was cool and overcast most of the day (on the day that I took these photos).

As a result, the majority of the blooms on my Spiderwort stayed open the whole day.

It likes to grow in clumps and prefers part-shade to full sun.

Originally, these plants’ natural habitat are in woodlands and in shaded meadows.

They like acidic soil that is moist and well drained and a cluster can grow up to 3 feet tall.

You do have to watch it because it will spread, vivaciously.

This makes Spiderwort a fantastic ground cover.

The flower colours available in a Spiderwort plant are: blue, purple, pink and white. (White is the rarest colour to see.)

The colour I am showing you is blue which provides a striking contrast against its green foliage.

Some species of Spiderwort are edible like the Virginiana Spiderwort.

The roots, seeds, leaves and flowers can all be consumed.

Topically the leaves can be used to make a poultice to help heal wounds and bring down inflammation that is associated with bruising.

I give you Tradescantia Ohiensis.

I welcome your comments and I invite you to follow me on my journey...we will be embracing plant medicine and the beauty of the flora and fauna around us.

~ Rebecca