Spiderwort
Leucas cephalotesfam. Lamiaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. F75A — Leucas cephalotes
Leucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotesLeucas cephalotes
IOverview
Overview
Spiderwort (Leucas cephalotes) is an annual plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light or partial shade. Standing at about 0.9 meters tall, Spiderwort is adaptable to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can be recognized by its light requirement of full sun or partial sun/shade. Its edible parts include leaves and shoots, making it a useful addition to gardens not only for ornamental purposes but also for culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Spiderwort?
Spiderwort (Leucas cephalotes) is an annual plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Spiderwort support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spiderwort thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is an annual plant. Given its native range in temperate regions of Asia, it is hardy but may benefit from protection in colder climates. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost. Leaves and shoots are edible parts that can be harvested for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.9 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Spiderwort for the first time
8steps
Start with Spiderwort as an easy-to-grow annual for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Spiderwort seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Spiderwort in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, either in the ground or a pot with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep or transplant young plants into prepared soil, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Spiderwort after flowering to maintain a neat appearance and promote new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting deadheading, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Spiderwort (Leucas cephalotes) are edible. Typically, they are consumed fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific techniques were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 11 native· 2 introduced
Asia8 regions
native (8)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndiaMyanmarNepalPakistanSri Lanka
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
introduced:Queensland
VIIIGarden companions
1 pair
Garden companions
1 pairPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · f75af616-ea08-4527-9a90-e36b48cec5b0
Decision aid
Choosing between Spiderwort and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.