Species PlantsOhio Spiderwort

Ohio Spiderwort

Tradescantia ohiensis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Ohio Spiderwort is a native perennial wildflower bearing clusters of vivid blue to purple three-petaled flowers atop upright, grass-like stems. Found from the Midwest to the Southeast, it blooms from spring through early summer and each flower lasts only a single morning. The plant often grows in large colonies and spreads readily by seed and rhizomes. Its stamens bear distinctive blue hairs that are sensitive to low levels of radiation.

Habitat
Grows in prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Diet
Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bumblebees, native bees, and syrphid flies.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Ohio Spiderwort

The best time to see a Ohio Spiderwort is April–June, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 14,552 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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