Spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
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Pl. 1F92 — Tradescantia virginiana
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IOverview
Overview
Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is a perennial forb or herb native to the southeastern United States, specifically found in Arkansas and Mississippi. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.4 meters tall and is known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and shoots—which can be enjoyed in culinary dishes. Spiderwort's distinctive feature lies in its spider-like appearance, with narrow leaves arranged alternately along the stem, giving it a unique look among other plants.
Quick answers
What is Spiderwort?
Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is a perennial forb or herb native to the southeastern United States, specifically found in Arkansas and Mississippi.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spiderwort thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture. It is hardy in zones 4-9 and can grow up to 0.4 meters tall as a perennial forb/herb. For best results, keep the soil pH between 4 and 8. While it prefers moist conditions, spiderwort can tolerate drier soils once established. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
4–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Spiderwort for the first time
8steps
Start with Spiderwort as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Spiderwort plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, with a pH between 4 and 8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed, or transplant young plants from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Its leaves and shoots are often used in salads for their mild flavor. The flowers can also be consumed, typically added to salads or used as a garnish due to their delicate taste. These parts of the plant are suitable for growing in soils with a pH between 4 and 8, thriving in partial sun to full sun conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas1 region
native (1)Cuba
Broader regions
native:Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, West Virginia, Illinois, Louisiana, Masachusettes, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Arkansas, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode I., South Carolina, Vermont, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1f9255b8-eac6-40cd-9cc1-4487df3cda38
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