Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY 3.0
About
The genus *Tradescantia* is a highly popular group of perennial wildflowers, known for its diverse foliage and vibrant colors. The species are generally grown for their ornamental value, with many cultivars prized for their variegated patterns of silver, purple, green, pink, and gold.
Field notes
Morphology
The plants are herbaceous perennials, reaching 30–60 cm in height. They feature long, thin, blade-like to lanceolate leaves, which can range from 3–45 cm in length. Flowers typically have three petals and six yellow anthers, though variations exist.
Distribution & habitat
The natural range of the genus spans nearly the entire length and width of mainland North America, from Canada through Mexico and Central America, thriving in temperate and tropical habitats, including deciduous forests, plains, and prairies.
Cultivation notes
Temperate species are grown as hardy garden perennials, while tropical species are used as houseplants or outdoor annuals. Many cultivars are prized for their foliage, and the genus is noted for its easy spreading nature, which can lead to some species being considered weeds.
History & etymology
The genus name was chosen by Carl Linnaeus to honor the English naturalists John Tradescant the Elder and John Tradescant the Younger, who introduced many new plants to English gardens.
Conservation
The western spiderwort, *T. occidentalis*, is listed as an endangered species in Canada, particularly in its northernmost populations.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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