Spiderwort, a common name for plants in the Tradescantia genus, includes about 75 species of herbaceous perennials. They are recognized by their characteristic three-petaled flowers, which appear in shades of blue, purple, pink, white, or red. Their foliage ranges from solid green to variegated or striped, offering varied visual textures. Native to the Americas, these adaptable plants are found across many landscapes. They typically grow as trailing or tufted forms with grass-like leaves, reaching heights between one and three feet.
Ecological Contributions
Spiderwort plants offer notable benefits to local ecosystems by supporting pollinator populations. Their flowers serve as a valuable nectar source, attracting native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This contributes to the overall health and diversity of gardens.
Spiderwort also functions effectively as ground cover. Their dense root systems anchor the soil, significantly reducing erosion from heavy rains or wind. This makes them particularly useful for stabilizing slopes and embankments where soil movement is a concern. Their rapid spread quickly fills bare patches in the landscape, creating a continuous green blanket that suppresses weed growth and helps retain soil moisture.
Gardening Advantages
Spiderwort offers practical benefits to home gardeners due to its resilient nature and minimal care. It is an easy-to-grow plant, suitable for new gardeners or those seeking low-maintenance options. Once established, they require little ongoing attention.
Spiderwort is versatile and adaptable to various growing conditions. It thrives in light exposures from full sun to partial shade, though bright, indirect light is often favored for indoor varieties. It tolerates various soil types, including dry, moist, loamy, sandy, or clay, provided there is adequate drainage. This flexibility allows its use in diverse garden settings, such as borders, containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover in woodland gardens.
Spiderwort’s aesthetic appeal comes from its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, adding consistent visual interest. Blooms come in shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and red. Many species also offer lush foliage that provides year-round interest, enhancing beauty even when not in bloom. It tolerates dry periods and resists common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for intensive pest management. It is also deer resistant, a valuable trait for gardeners in areas with deer populations.
Traditional and Potential Human Applications
Historically, Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Seminole, utilized spiderwort for traditional medicinal purposes. The plant’s juices were sometimes applied topically to the skin to alleviate swelling and irritation from insect bites or rashes, suggesting anti-inflammatory properties. Poultices made from the plant were also used for minor wounds. Teas from spiderwort roots were consumed as a laxative and to address stomach ailments, constipation, and kidney issues. These are traditional uses, and while preliminary research suggests potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, further scientific study is needed to confirm these benefits.
Certain spiderwort species have edible parts. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a potherb, incorporated into soups, stir-fries, or omelets. Flowers are also edible and often used as an attractive garnish, while stems can be prepared by braising or roasting. Roots are technically edible but less commonly consumed. It is crucial to correctly identify the specific spiderwort species before consumption, as some varieties may cause skin irritation; always consume sparingly to observe individual reactions.
Beyond traditional medicinal and culinary uses, spiderwort has other unique properties. It contributes to air purification when grown indoors, removing certain toxins and pollutants. The plant also shows sensitivity to environmental toxins, with its flowers reportedly changing color (e.g., turning pink) when exposed to pollutants or radiation. This characteristic makes it a subject of interest in environmental studies.