Tradescantia virginiana is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3' tall. 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 containing numerous flower buds. Flowers bloom in succession from late May into early July. Arching, iris-like, dark green leaves up to 1' long and 1" wide are folded lengthwise forming a groove. Commonly found on open wooded slopes and moist shaded bluff ledges.

When the stems of spiderworts are cut, a viscous stem secretion is released which becomes threadlike and silky upon hardening (like a spider's web), hence the common name. An interesting and long-blooming perennial for native plant gardens, woodland or shade gardens, wild gardens or naturalized areas.