Spiderworts are very distinctive Summer prairie wildflowers. Growing knee-high, their (usually) blue flowers stand out among the green of the new grass.

If you break the tip off a spiderwort leaf and wait for a drop of sap to appear, then touch it with your fingertip, you can stretch the thread of sap.

This resemblance to a spider’s silk may explain where its name came from. The gooey quality of the sap definitely explains its familiar nickname of “cow slobber.”

The stems, leaves and flowers of Spiderworts are edible. Spiderworts also are one of the native wildflowers that have made their way into the nursery trade. They may also be easily propagated from stem cuttings or seeds.

This plant’s genus, Tradescantia, is named for John Tradescant, who was gardener for King Charles I of England. He grew them from seeds brought back from America; Spiderwort is still popular in English gardens today.

Third Eye Herp
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