Spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis)


      Spiderwort is a native, perennial wildflower in Wisconsin. It grows 10 to 24 inches tall. The flowers form in clusters of up to 10. Each one is one to two inches wide, with three violet blue petals surrounding a golden yellow center. The leaves are up to 15 inches long and clasp the stem.  Each grass-like leaf is folded lengthwise, forming a V-groove. The leaves have long parallel veining. It likes wet to dry soils and partial shade. It can be found in meadows, fields, along roads, and in prairies.  (LS)