Ohio Spiderwort

Ohio Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis

A striking native wildflower with arching, grass-like foliage and clusters of vivid blue to violet flowers that bloom from late spring into early summer. Each flower lasts only a single day, but the plant continuously produces new blooms, creating a long display of color. The three-petaled flowers open in the morning and often close by afternoon, especially on hot days.

Ohio Spiderwort thrives in open prairies, meadows, and woodland edges where it adds vibrant color and texture to native plantings. Its clumping growth habit and adaptable nature make it a reliable species for pollinator gardens and restoration projects.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 2–3 ft
• Spread: Clumping, slowly expanding
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–9
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought tolerant once established
• Deer resistant

Ideal for prairies, meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Adds early summer color and attractive grassy texture.

Ecological Value

• Provides nectar for native bees and pollinators
• Supports beneficial insects and biodiversity
• Adds structural diversity to meadow and prairie plant communities
• Early to mid-season nectar source for pollinators

Larval Host Plant For
Primarily valued as a nectar source for pollinators.

Companion Species

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)
• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Photo Alexzander G Smith

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots