What Are the Benefits of Growing Spiderwort?
Explore the practical value of the common spiderwort. This hardy perennial offers benefits that extend from the garden to the kitchen table.
Found in woodland areas and open fields, spiderwort is a common wildflower many gardeners might overlook. This perennial plant, belonging to the genus Tradescantia, possesses a range of benefits for people and the local ecosystem. Its recognizable three-petaled flowers and grass-like leaves hide a utility that extends from the kitchen to the garden path.
Spiderwort as an Edible Plant
Nearly all parts of the spiderwort plant are edible, offering different flavors and textures for culinary use. The young, tender leaves provide the most versatility, having a mild flavor and texture similar to lettuce, making them an excellent addition to fresh salads. The flowers are also edible and can be tossed into salads, adding a splash of blue, violet, or pink color.
The stems of the spiderwort plant are also a source of food, particularly when they are young and tender. Their texture is often compared to that of asparagus or green beans when cooked. To prepare them, the stems can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed as a side dish. Harvesting these parts early in the plant’s growth cycle ensures a better eating experience.
Native American tribes utilized the plant for food. The leaves can be added to soups and stews near the end of the cooking process to retain some of their texture. The flowers can be used as a garnish for desserts or drinks, providing both visual appeal and a subtle, fresh taste.
Medicinal Properties of Spiderwort
Historically, spiderwort has been used for its medicinal qualities, primarily for topical applications. The plant contains a mucilaginous sap with soothing properties. When the leaves or stems are crushed, they release this gel-like substance, which can be applied directly to the skin as a poultice for insect bites.
The use of spiderwort is documented among Native American cultures. Beyond skin treatments, some tribes made a tea from the leaves for various ailments or used the roots as a laxative.
Caution is advised when considering any plant for medicinal use. Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the plant’s sap. It is recommended to perform a patch test on the skin before applying it more widely. For any internal use, consulting with a healthcare professional is a prudent step to ensure safety.
Garden and Wildlife Benefits
In a garden, spiderwort is valued for its ornamental appeal and resilience. The plant produces three-petaled flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. These flowers have a long blooming season from late spring into fall, though each bloom only lasts for a day, opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.
Spiderwort is an adaptable and low-maintenance plant. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types. Its clump-forming habit makes it useful for creating borders or as a dense ground cover. Some species can be vigorous and may spread, so select a variety appropriate for your climate to manage its growth.
The plant also plays a role in supporting local wildlife. The flowers are an important source of nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, especially native bees like bumblebees, and also attract butterflies. This makes spiderwort a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.