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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, stout, rarely branched, glabrous or sparsely hairy; nodes 2-4; internodes to 8 inches.
- Leaves
- Alternate, simple, linear-lanceolate, 3 to 12 inches long, 1/3 to 2/3 inch wide, glabrous or sparsely soft-hairy at base, parallel veined, rarely folded; margins entire.
- Inflorescence
- Cyme, umbel-like, few- to many-flowered, terminal on main stem; bracts large, leafy, 2 to 12 inches long, glabrous to soft-hairy; folded lengthwise, curving downward, often longer and wider than leaves.
- Flower
- Stalks densely soft-hairy, sepals 3, elliptic, pointed, 1/3 to 1/2 inch long, soft-hairy, margins sometimes purple; corollas 1 to 1.5 inch wide, blue, purple, or rose; petals 3, stamens 6, filaments densely bearded.
- Fruit
- Capsules, rounded; seeds 2-6, flattened, gray.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Moist prairies, roadsides, and disturbed sites.
- Distribution
- East 2/3 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Uses
- The young stems and leaves can be used raw in salads or cooked as a food seasoning. The Lakota made a jelly-like blue paint from the flowers, which was used for decorative purposes.
Additional Notes
Comments
Tradescantia is named for John Tradescant, gardener for Charles the First of England in the 17th century.
Special Notes: Three other spiderworts are observed in Kansas: common spiderwort , prairie spiderwort , and Tharps' spiderwort .
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Commelinaceae - Spiderwort Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 4-12 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-09-07
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: May, June, July