The Genus Tradescantia
Spiderworts
Family: Commelinaceae
This genus of 81 species (mostly perennials) native to the Americas from southern Canada to northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Some are incredibly cold hardy and some are a bit frost tender. Most are under a foot or so tall and spreading.
Most grow in shady spots though many take sun just fine, with moderate to low water.
The scientific name of the genus chosen by Carl Linnaeus honours the English naturalists and explorers John Tradescant the Elder (c. 1570s – 1638) and John Tradescant the Younger (1608–1662), who introduced many new plants to English gardens.
A note on one of the common names of this plant: some plants are called “wandering jew”— which is a derogatory name that originates from the antisemetic, Christian myth of the Wandering Jew, condemned to wander the earth for taunting Jesus on the way to his crucifixion.
Many bees that use buzz pollination are fond of the flowers.
Many species of Tradescantia have been used medicinally and as a food source.
Photo of Tradescantia occidentalis by Alex Harman, iNaturalist
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is one of the most popular of the genus. It is an effective ground cover but needs protection from hard frosts. It is native along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Its native range extends from Tamaulipas to Yucatan. The species has been collected in a tropical deciduous forest, among roadside limestone rocks, and on limestone outcrops. Photo by Noel Morales Valdes, iNaturalist
Cobweb Spiderwort (Tradescantia sillamontana) is a frost tender species endemic to dry areas of the State of Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico. Photo by marcdm majors on iNaturalist
Pinewoods Spiderwort (Tradescantia pinetorum) is found on granitic and limestone substrates, in wet areas on stream sides and in canyons, also found in grasslands, chaparral, mesas, and and pine forests, from 5,500-10,000' in Arizona, New Mexico and in adjacent Mexico. Very cold hardy. Best in shade.
Western Spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis) is widespread across the western Great Plains of the United States, as well as in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah, and Sonora, but is listed as a threatened species in Canada. Photo by Bob Walker, iNaturalist