Prairie Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata is a Michigan Native plant available at Wild Cherry Farm
Prairie Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata is a Michigan Native plant available at Wild Cherry Farm

Prairie Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata)

from $4.00

Prairie Spiderwort flowers attract native bees and it is a host plant for 2 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Prairie Spiderwort’s status is listed as Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered) in Michigan, , so while you may not be preserving the plant that was once here, you are creating habitat for all of the species that may need it for survival. So why not give this shorter and stouter variety a try (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). It can be a vigorous spreader in preferred locations, so take care when choosing a planting spot.

Photo credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Size:

Prairie Spiderwort flowers attract native bees and it is a host plant for 2 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Prairie Spiderwort’s status is listed as Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered) in Michigan, , so while you may not be preserving the plant that was once here, you are creating habitat for all of the species that may need it for survival. So why not give this shorter and stouter variety a try (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). It can be a vigorous spreader in preferred locations, so take care when choosing a planting spot.

Photo credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Life Cycle: Perennial 

Sun Exposure: Full

Soil Moisture: Medium—Dry

Height: 12 inches

Plant Spacing:  6-10 inches

Bloom Time: May-July

Bloom Color: Purple

Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Deer Resistant, Recommended but vigorous

Host: 2 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)

Species of Concern: State Status: Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered), State Rank: Presumed extirpated (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)

You Might Also Like