Spiderwort Tradescantia subaspera
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Spiderwort:
- Phonetic Spelling
- trad-es-KAN-tee-uh sub-AS-per-uh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Tradescantia subaspera can be a perennial herb, houseplant or interiorscape plant. The leaves are alternate and clasp at the base. They are simple, long and grass-like. Secondary stems and leaves can occasionally develop from the axils of the primary leaves. The fuzzy leaves have prominent parallel veins, looking similar to the leaf of a corn stalk.
Growing in the wild, its natural habitats include deciduous woodlands and borders, along ravines, bases of bluffs and along shady streams. Although spiderwort can be found growing in the wild in most states, Tradescantia subaspera will only be found in the eastern half of the US.
Its common name, Zigzag Spiderwort, come from the appearance of its stem. The stem makes slight direction changes at the leaf nodes in the half of the plant. Wideleaf Spiderwort has wider leaves than most of those in this species.
The flowers open in the morning, and close up in the afternoons. During cloudy days, they may remain open for a longer time period.
Its root system is a mass of fibrous roots. Occasionally offsets are produced from the roots. Although it can be grown in a variety of soils, a fertile, loamy soil is the preferred location.
Does best when located in an area that does not have extended periods of sunshine. Appreciates protection from hot, afternoon sun.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious diseases or pests. Deer, box turtles and cottontail rabbits may eat the foliage.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Pollinator Garden in Partial Shade
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Tradescantia
- Species:
- subaspera
- Family:
- Commelinaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern United States
- Distribution:
- AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
- Wildlife Value:
- Valuable plant for native bees.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Shade
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- After flowering, 3-chambered seed capsules are produced. Each contain several seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Showy, 1", three petaled violet flowers with yellow stamens. Each petal is oval or broadly ovate. The smaller sepals are ovate and typically hairy. The flowers bloom for a period of time, however, only a few at a time. The flowers are typically smaller than other spiderworts.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The dark green leaves can reach a length of up to 12", while the width is typically 2". The shape of the leaves can vary somewhat, from linear-lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate. The upper surface of the downward arching leaves is dark green and typically smooth. The lowers surface is a somewhat lighter green and also typically smooth. Both upper and lower surfaces can have minute hairs.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Zig Zags
- Stem Description:
- The central stem is a medium green and slightly tapered. It can be slightly hairy, or smooth.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Houseplants
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Native Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Specialized Bees
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
