Tradescantia virginiana aka Virginia Spiderwort

Tradescantia virginiana, or Virginia spiderwort, is a wildflower. It is a perennial, so it lives for years. It belongs to Commelinaceae, the spiderwort family. Its native range includes Ontario and the eastern United States. It also includes Cuba. It grows in woods, meadows, and along streams and roadsides. It also grows on slopes and damp rock ledges. Loss of habitat and wild collecting have reduced some Carolina populations. Choose nursery-grown plants for gardens, not plants taken from the wild.

The plant forms upright clumps that spread as they grow. Garden height ranges from about 1.5–3 feet [0.46–0.91 metres]. RHS gives a lower maximum of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Clumps reach about 1.5–1.6 feet [0.46–0.5 metres] across. The green stems are round and smooth for the most part. Some stems branch and have scattered hairs near the leaf bases. Narrow leaves arch out, with a groove along their length. They reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. Their edges are smooth, and their tips come to points.

Groups of flowers form at the ends of the stems. Each bloom has three petals and six yellow stamens. These flower parts have hairy stalks called filaments. Most flowers are blue, violet, or purple. Pink and white flowers also occur. Each flower opens in the morning and lasts one day. New buds keep the plant in bloom for several weeks. Missouri Botanical Garden records bloom from May through July. NC State reports flowers as early as March. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms. Small seed capsules split into three parts and release brown seeds.

Grow this plant in moist soil with regular water. It accepts sun or shade, though sources differ on placement. It tolerates clay, wet ground, and a range of soil pH. Give extra water when dry spells leave the soil dry. Sources list USDA zones 4–9 and UK hardiness H4. It suits woodland beds, native gardens, and pond edges. Borders may look untidy when the leaves sprawl in summer. Leaves can die back in heat, then regrow later. Remove spent flowers to help bring a possible new flush of bloom.

Serious pest and disease problems are rare, but snails damage shoots. Aphids, vine weevils, and slugs may also occur. Leaf spot and rust may occur too. Seedlings can spread enough to need control. Sources report that people can eat leaves, young shoots, and flowers. They also note past uses for food and medicine. These reports do not remove the safety concern. Leaves and sap can irritate human and pet skin. Wear gloves when handling the plant. Do not assume the parts reported as edible are harmless.