Tradescantia ernestiana, commonly known as Ernest’s Spiderwort, is a perennial herb that is semi-evergreen to evergreen, depending on the climate. It is native to limestone glades, rocky woods, and bluffs in the South-Central United States, particularly in Missouri and adjacent states. This plant typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming clumps of arching, grass-like leaves. The flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer, are small but quite showy, with three triangular petals that can be blue, pink, purple, or red, and they are often visited by pollinators.

Ernest’s Spiderwort is valued for its ability to thrive in dry, rocky soils and its tolerance of partial to full shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners dealing with challenging light conditions. It is often used in rock gardens, woodland gardens, and native plant gardens. The plant requires consistent moisture but is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, but spider mites and aphids can occasionally be a problem. It is also deer-resistant, which is a notable benefit for many gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0