Zigzag Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera)
Description
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, acidic soils. Tolerant of poor soils. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded. Foliage declines after flowering and should then be cut back almost to the ground to encourage new growth and a possible fall bloom. Can self-seed and spread in ideal growing conditions.Tradescantia subaspera, commonly called spiderwort, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3' tall. Distinctive zigzag stems and broader leaves distinguish this plant from the very similar Tradescantia virginiana. Violet-blue to purple, three-petaled flowers (.75-1.5" diameter) accented by contrasting yellow stamens open up, a few at a time, each for only one day, from terminal clusters (umbels) containing numerous flower buds. Flowers bloom in succession from late May into early August. Arching, iris-like, dark green leaves up to 10" long and 2" wide are folded lengthwise forming a groove. A Missouri native plant that is commonly found in rich woods in the east-central part of the State.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Commelinales
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Family: Commelinaceae
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Genus: Tradescantia
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