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Spiderwort

Spiderwort
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Commelinales
Family: Commelinaceae
Genus: Tradescantia
Species
Tradescantia bracteata
Tradescantia brevifolia
Tradescantia buckleyi
Tradescantia crassifolia
Tradescantia crassula
Tradescantia edwardsiana
Tradescantia ernestiana
Tradescantia fluminensis
Tradescantia gigantea
Tradescantia hirsuticaulis
Tradescantia hirsutiflora
Tradescantia humilis
Tradescantia leiandra
Tradescantia pedicellata
Tradescantia occidentalis
Tradescantia ohiensis
Tradescantia ozarkana
Tradescantia paludosa
Tradescantia pinetorum
Tradescantia roseolens
Tradescantia reverchonii
Tradescantia subacaulis
Tradescantia subaspera
Tradescantia tharpii
Tradescantia virginiana
Tradescantia wrightii
Tradescantia X andersoniana
Tradescantia X diffusa

The spiderwort is a perennial plant that grows 1 to 2 feet tall and is commonly found individually or in clumps in wooded areas and fields. The plant has long thin bladelike leaves that grow to just over a foot long; the plant's flowers are usually purple with three petals and yellow stamens, though some varieties have rose or white flowers.

Though sometimes accounted a weed, spiderwort is cultivated for borders and also used in containers. Where it appears as a volunteer, it is often welcomed and allowed to stay.

The spiderwort was introduced to Europe in 1629, surely one of the first North American plants to cross the Atlantic.

The Wandering Jew is in the same family (Commelinaceae) as the spiderwort.