Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.
Bluejacket, Ohio spiderwort
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
The branched, erect stems of bluejacket or Ohio spiderwort are tinged purple and bear grass-like leaves from up to eight nodes. The total height is from 2-3 ft. Showy clusters of blue, three-petaled flowers top the stems. Flowers tend to open in morning.
When touched in the heat of the day, the flowers shrivel to a fluid jelly.
Named after John Tradescant (1608-1662) who served as gardener to Charles 1 of England.
Tradescantia species will hybridize in just about any combination.
Image Gallery:
31 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Complexity: Simple Flower: Flower 1 inch
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Blue
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV , WI
Canada: ON Native Distribution: MA to s.e. MN, s. to FL & e. TX
Native Habitat: Moist meadows; prairies; thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Various wet to dry soils. Acid-based, Calcareous, Limestone-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam Clay
Conditions Comments: Tradescantia species will hybridize in just about any combination.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Wildflower meadow
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
2009-04-15
