Bluejacket

(Tradescantia ohiensis)

Bluejacket (Tradescantia ohiensis)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Tradescantia ohiensis, commonly known as Bluejacket or Ohio Spiderwort, is a perennial herb native to meadows, prairies, and open woodlands of eastern and central North America. Its range extends from Maine to Minnesota and south to Texas and Florida, with a limited presence in southern Ontario near Windsor, Canada. This species typically grows to about 45 inches (115 cm) in height and features glaucous (bluish-green) foliage that forms an acute angle with the stems. The sepals are hairless except possibly at the apex, and the plant is noted for its tall, grass-like appearance.

Ohio Spiderwort is valued for its clusters of blue to violet flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is a low-maintenance plant that adapts well to garden settings, often used in borders, native plant gardens, and as a naturalizing element in informal areas. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and rust diseases. Ohio Spiderwort can spread readily by seed, making it potentially aggressive in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Meadows, prairies, and open woodlands of eastern and central North America

Other Names

Common Names: Smooth Spiderwort, Ohio Spiderwort, Blue-Jacket

Scientific Names: , Tradescantia ohiensis, Tradescantia reflexa, Tradescantia paludosa, Tradescantia canaliculata, Tradescantia ohiensis var. foliosa, Tradescantia foliosa, Tradescantia difforme, Tradescantia incarnata, Tradescantella incarnata

GBIF Accepted Name: Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.