Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort)

Tradescantia virginiana is known as Virginia spiderwort, a clump forming species that is one of the earliest and longest blooming native plants in our garden, with white, pink-purple, or blue-indigo clusters of 3 petalled flowers. "Spiderwort" refers to the viscous sap which dries into web-like threads when a stem is cut.

Virginia spiderwort has a semi-tropical look, sports upright, arching, iris-like foliage 1-3 feet in height, but usually shorter than 3 feet. Similar to daylilies (which spiderwort is related), the numerous individual blooms are ephemeral and only last one day before dissolving, but quickly replaced for a long bloom period both in the spring and in late summer / fall. Small native bees and bumblebees are the primary pollinators of spiderworts, but the flowers are also visited by moths, butterflies, and the occasional hummingbirds.

Virginia spiderwort prefers very bright dappled light or part sun, or semi-shade of open meadows and woodland settings it often inhabits. It is tolerant of many different soils, including dense clay and gravely soil, preferring average or moist conditions.

The plants have gained potential in modern times as an indicator of radioactive contamination at sites near nuclear power plants. The delicate filament hairs of the stamen of tradescantia are highly sensitive to radiation exposure, in a few weeks changing color from exposure to radiation.

Our plants are propagated by seed from wild populations in Henrico County, Virginia.