Tradescantia virginiana
Also known as Virginia Spiderwort, Spider Lily
Tradescantia virginiana is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that 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.
BONAP MAP
Height: 1.5'-3'
Spread: 1'-1.5'
Bloom: May-July
Light: Part Shade, Dappled Shade
Water: Medium
Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: eastern United States