Hairy-stemmed Spiderwort Tradescantia hirsuticaulis
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- trad-es-KAN-tee-uh
- Description
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Hairy Spiderwort is a North Carolina native perennial in the Commelinaceae family. It is not abundant, and you are not likely to stumble onto an area where they are growing. It will typically be seen in dry, open rocky woods, around rock outcrops and along bluffs. In addition to the North Carolina mountains, it can be found in the mid to southeastern states in dry rocky woodlands.
In warmer climates, such as in the Mediterranean, in desert settings, in temperate or in the tropics, it is grown as a perennial evergreen. Colder climates will give it more of an annual life cycle.
Care of this plant can include placing some mulch to retain some moisture. Where it is grown as a perennial, give the plant some room to spread or crawl. Pruning can be done after its blooming has completed for the season.
Propagation can be accomplished by stem cuttings, insuring to leave at least 3 leaves on the cutting. Another method is to bend a branch over and cover it with soil, providing conditions for rooting to take place.
Quick ID:
- hairy stems, leaves, flower buds and flowers
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Tradescantia
- Species:
- hirsuticaulis
- Family:
- Commelinaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mid to southeastern U.S.A.
- Distribution:
- AL, AR, GA, NC, OK, SC, TN
- Wildlife Value:
- Hairy spiderwort attracts bees and other pollinators.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Mountains
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from May to July, after blooms have faded.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Purple flowers bloom from April to June. Each flower is approximately 1" wide.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Velvety
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Scattered, narrow leaves, with pointed edges grow along the stem. Leaves are up to 6" long and 1/3" wide.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Riparian
- Slope/Bank
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Native Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Barrier
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Heat
- Humidity
