Spiderwort, Virginia spiderwort

Tradescantia virginiana

Physical Characteristics

Tradescantia virginiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Wisconsin, south to Georgia and Tennessee.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[61, 103, 105, 213, 257]. The very young shoots and leaves can be chopped and added to salads or cooked as a potherb[183]. Flowers - raw. They make an attractive edible garnish[183].

Medicinal Uses

Kidney Laxative Poultice Women's complaints The roots are laxative[222]. They are also used as a tea in the treatment of kidney and stomach ailments and women's complaints[222, 257]. A poultice of the leaves is applied to stings, insect bites and cancers[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known