WESTERN SPIDERWORT

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Location: Devil's Backbone Open Space, Larimer County, CO

Tradescantia occidentalis (Britton ) Smyth

Also Called: Prairie spiderwort.

Flowering Period: May, June, July, August, September

Family: Spiderwort ( Commelinaceae )

Height: 8 to 20”

Life Span: Perennial

Stems: Smooth, erect and leafy

Leaves: Alternate, simple, the base of each forming a tubular sheath around the stem.

Inflorescences: Flowers arranged in clusters enveloped by boat-shaped bracts.

Flowers: Radially symmetrical, sepals 3; petals 3; stamens 6; all these parts attached at base of ovary. Flowers close by mid-day and last only one day.

Fruits: Capsule with 3 chambers

Habitat: Sandy and rocky soil, open brush and open woods

Distribution: County Distribution Map

Origin: Native to U.S. A.

Toxicity: Non-toxic

Uses: This species and the Pine Spiderwort were used by Indians as a cooked vegetable.

Comments: Named for John Tradescantia (1608-1662) who worked as a gardener to Charles I of England.

Tradescantia will hybridize in just about any combination.