

How to identify Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana)
Virginia spiderwort, also known as Spider lily
Virginia spiderwort is a perennial herb forming upright clumps through horizontal underground roots known as stolons. The plant typically reaches heights of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) and spreads about 1 foot (30 cm) wide. It features lance-shaped leaves grouped in sparse clumps and is characterized by its distinctive tri-petaled flowers that are ephemeral, typically lasting only a day. The blooms exhibit radiant colors, which may include various shades of purple or blue, adding to its appeal. These floral characteristics alongside its clumping growth habit provide essential clues for its identification.
Tri-petaled ephemeral flowers in radiant blues and purples, lasting only a day.
Linear leaves with parallel venation, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
Textured seed capsules split into three parts upon maturity, releasing seeds.
Upright clumping growth habit via stolons, reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall.
Rounded, glabrous green stems, occasionally with sparse hairs near leaf junctions.
The leaves of virginia spiderwort are linear with a wide base and pointed tip, and they measure up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. They exhibit a dark to olive-green color and have smooth margins. The leaves feature parallel venation, contributing to their distinctive linear appearance.
The flowers of virginia spiderwort feature three bright, jewel-toned petals ranging from blue to violet, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. Delicate spider web-like filaments surround the yellow-tipped anthers, creating a striking visual contrast. These flowers grow in terminal clusters and have a subtle fragrance. Blooming occurs primarily in spring and can happen again in fall. The unique arrangement and vibrant color make these flowers identifiable and appealing to novice plant enthusiasts.
The stem of virginia spiderwort is rounded and typically glabrous, meaning it has a smooth surface without hairs. However, sporadic long hairs can be found where the leaves envelop the stem. These stems may be either unbranched or branched at the base, giving rise to multiple stalks. The color is usually green, and the texture is smooth, providing a sleek appearance. The stems range in thickness but are generally slender, supporting the plant efficiently.
The fruit of virginia spiderwort is a textured seed capsule that exhibits a tripartite splitting mechanism upon maturity. On opening, each segment liberates its seeds, ensuring propagation. These capsules often bear a greenish to brownish hue, aligning with the plant's natural color palette, and have a dry, husk-like quality to their exterior. While the size of the capsules is generally modest, they are a distinctive characteristic for species identification. Their shape, texture, and dehiscence pattern are key markers for both the novice enthusiast and the experienced botanist.
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Scientific Classification of Virginia spiderwort