Family: Commelinaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Précis Découv. Somiol.: 45 (1814)
Year: 1814
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tradescantia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Ontario to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Smooth Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)
The Smooth Spiderwort, scientifically recognized as Tradescantia ohiensis, is a notable member of the Commelinaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant is widely distributed across North America, particularly flourishing from Ontario down through the central and eastern regions of the United States.
The plant is characterized by its smooth, slender stems that typically reach heights of 30 to 90 centimeters. Its leaves are long, narrow, and grass-like, giving it an elegant appearance. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are often slightly arching, adding to the plant’s graceful profile.
One of the most striking features of the Smooth Spiderwort is its flowers. Blooming between late spring and early summer, the flowers exhibit a captivating combination of three vibrant, blue to purple petals, complemented by bright yellow stamens. Each flower lasts for only a single day, opening in the morning and wilting by the afternoon, but the plant continually produces new blooms, ensuring a constant display over several weeks.
Tradescantia ohiensis occupies a range of habitats, favoring moist, well-drained soils. It is commonly found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides, where it enjoys full sun to partial shade. Its resilience and adaptability make it a robust addition to wildflower gardens and naturalistic landscapes.
The plant holds ecological value, serving as a food source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, who are drawn to its vivid blossoms. Furthermore, its foliage provides habitat for an array of insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
Historically, indigenous peoples and early settlers valued the Smooth Spiderwort for its medicinal properties, utilizing it in remedies for several ailments. Today, it continues to be appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its ease of cultivation and low maintenance requirements.
First described in 1814 by the botanist Rafinesque in his work “Précis Découv. Somiol.,” the Smooth Spiderwort remains a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike, reflecting its enduring significance in both scientific and horticultural communities.
In summary, Tradescantia ohiensis is a versatile and visually striking plant that contributes significantly to the aesthetics and ecological health of the regions it inhabits. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, the Smooth Spiderwort offers a charming and robust presence that underscores the diversity and beauty of North American flora.
Common Names
Eng: blue-jacket, bluejacket, ohio spiderwort, smooth spiderwort
Fra: tradescantie d’ohio, éphémère d’ohio
En: Smooth spiderwort, Ohio spiderwort, Blue-jacket, Bluejacket
Zh: 紫露草
Fr: Tradescantie d’Ohio, Éphémère d’Ohio
Ko: 자주닭개비
Synonyms
- Tradescantia reflexa f. albiflora (A.D.Slavin & Nieuwl.)
- Tradescantia foliosa (Small)
- Tradescantia canaliculata f. lesteri ((Standl.) Deam)
- Tradescantia canaliculata f. albiflora ((Slavin & Nieuwl.) Deam)
- Tradescantia ohiensis f. pilosa (Waterf.)
- Tradescantia reflexa (Raf.)
- Tradescantia difformis (Bush)
- Tradescantella incarnata ((Small) Small)
- Tradescantia paludosa (E.S.Anderson & Woodson)
- Tradescantia canaliculata (Raf.)
- Tradescantia canaliculata f. mariae ((Standl.) Deam)
- Tradescantia incarnata (Small)
- Tradescantia ohiensis var. foliosa ((Small) MacRoberts)
- Tradescantia ohiensis var. paludosa ((E.S.Anderson & Woodson) MacRoberts)
- Tradescantia reflexa var. eloiseana (Farw.)
- Tradescantia reflexa f. lesteri (Standl.)
- Tradescantia reflexa f. mariae (Standl.)
- Tradescantia riparia (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Korea (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Kyleigh Sadler (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2022 by Jade (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2009 by EOL − Peter Gorman (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Billie Battles (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 17, 2015 by EOL − Mike Fenoglio (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 31, 2015 by EOL − smwhite (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 3, 2015 by EOL − jessicaross2014 (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 17, 2015 by EOL − Mike Fenoglio (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 21, 2017 by Susan Mene (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Mario Socciarelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2022 by Daniki Tanama (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by Greg Stiffler (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2008 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 20, 2020 by Jessi Cairns (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2006 by EOL − Frank Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by richard burger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Ľuboslav Škoviera (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Jenn Mackert (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 20, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Casey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2019 by zoungy (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2765175)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:173408-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb