Seed collected from MPF’s Stilwell Prairie. Photo: Scott Lenharth
Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)
Distinguishing Characteristics
Juvenile stem and leaves with long, fine hairs. Bluish to silvery-green. Base of leaves tapering to a sheath that wraps around the stem.
Height
Up to 3 feet
Blooms
May to July
Description
Flowers are in clusters. Size of petals varies and flowers may be 3/4 to 1½ inches across in a triangular shape. Flower color may be blue, rose, purple, lavender or rarely white.
Comments
Common in prairies and savannas ranging from dry to mesic. Variety of habitats from prairies and old fields to woodland edges. Blooms for more than a month, despite individual flowers lasting only a day. Seeds mature at various times, making seed harvest difficult. Easy to establish from seed when used in restoration projects.

Seeds (scale is in 1/16 inch increments)

Seedling

Juvenile

Distinguishing Characteristics

Mature