Spiderwort

(Tradescantia L.)

Other Names:

None known

Range:

Family:

Commelinaceae - Spiderwort Family

Growth Type:

Herbaceous perennial

Height:

1 to 2 feet tall

Leaves:

The leaves are long thin blade shaped to lanceolate.

Stem/Trunk:

The plant is weak stemmed. It sometimes grows erect, but is often sprawling.

Root:

Thick root mass

Flower Season:

Summer

Flower Appearance:

Three petaled flowers bloom in morning, but close when the sun shines on them in the afternoon. On cloudy days, you may still find the flowers in bloom. The flowers range in color from white to pink to purple, but are most often blue with 6 yellow anthers.

Seed/Fruit:

Fused three chambered carpel each containing seeds.

Miscellaneous characteristics:

N/A

Habitat:

Wooded Areas, Prairies, Open Fields

Parts Used:

Leaves, Stems

Culinary Uses:

The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or as a trail nibble. The stems can also be eaten raw, or used as a cooked vegetable.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Native Americans brewed a root tea to alleviate "female" ailments, as well as stomach and kidney ailments. It also has a laxative effect. There is anecdotal evidence that a poultice made from the leaves and stems of the plant are soothing when applied to insect bites and stings.

Indications:

Test

Medicinal Actions:

Aperient, Demulcent, Diuretic, Stomachic