Commelinaceae
Virginia spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
Synonyms
Tradescantia brevicaulis
Plant Type
Herbaceous Wildflower
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
1.5-3 ft. tall
1-1.5 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Occasional Flooding
Inolerant of
Dry Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
Fresh seed can germinate in about two weeks. Stored seed may benefit from cold moist stratification. Clumps are easily divided.
Plant Planting Notes
Provide up to 2 ft spacing.
Plants/Diseases
No significant disease or pest issues.
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects
Leaves
Leaves whorled, linear with entire margins.
Flowers
Flowers on cymes with 3 petals and varying in color from dark purple to lavender, to pink, to white.
Fruit
Capsule
Toxicity
Some individuals experience irritation when exposed to the plant sap.
USDA Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Exposure
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade
Soil Moisture
Medium, Moist
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Forests and woodlands with nutrient rich soils.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Rare in the coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Absent from the mountains.