Spiderwort, Western (Tradescantia occidentalis), packet of 30 seeds, organic

Family: Dayflower (Commelinaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4-9

(Western Spiderwort, Prairie Spiderwort)  Disheveled monocot to 18 inches. Native to Central US and becoming increasingly rare throughout its habitat.  Bears conspicuous terminal clusters of purple flowers above thin, iris-like leaves.  Leaves edible, especially when cooked in soup.  Flowers delightfully candy-able.  Traditional usage (TWM) urinary and uteral tonic, poultice to treat sun- or radiation burn.  Bioassay for radiation exposure.  Flowers very fragile and last only one day.  Stamen hairs, normally colored purple, are sensitive to ionizing radiation and turn pink in the presence of nuclear fallout.  Plant prefers sandhill environment, with lots of water but fast-draining soil and full sun.  Excellent in pots.  Seed requires cold conditioning before good germination may be expected.  Therefore, sow in early spring in cold, moist soils or alternatively give 30 days cold, moist refrigeration and then sow warm.  Germination occurs in about 3 weeks.

30 seeds/pkt, Certified Organically Grown