Virginia Spiderwort - Tradescantia virginiana
Whether encountered in native woodland or well-tended perennial garden, Virginia spiderwort is sure to please naturalist and gardener alike. The genus name Tradescantia commemorates John (the elder) Tradescant, gardener to Charles the First of England and the species name indicates that this plant was first known from specimens collected in Virginia.
Virginia spiderwort and other species of Tradescantia appear on lists of both edible and poisonous plants. Virginia spiderwort inhabits dry upland forests, rocky open woods, and wood edges, typically in acid soils. It seems to prefer shaded situations but can sometimes be found in full sun.
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Go to All Wildflowers of the Year.
Selection Procedure
- Nomination
- Any member of VNPS may nominate a species for consideration.
- Selection
- All nominations become candidates for selection. The Board of Directors votes on the candidates, and the species receiving the largest number of votes is selected.
- Criteria
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- Must be a plant native to Virginia.
- Most not be an invasive, a pest, or an obnoxious weed.
- Should stimulate interest in membership and among the public because of its attractive, showy, colorful, or unique flower or other attributes. Must be interesting because of habitat, historical role, abundance or rarity, ecological niche, or other feature.
- May be either common or rare in Virginia.
- Need not be of horticultural interest, but this could be a "plus".
- Selected plant ideally should tie in with VNPS emphasis on habitat (e.g., marshlands, rock outcroppings, disturbed areas).
The VNPS Botany Chair oversees the selection process and prepares the text for the brochure.