Status:
valid
Authors:
Kunth & C.D.Bouché
Source:
wcs
Year:
1848
Citation Micro:
Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1848: 12 (1848)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000590169
Common Names
- Velvet-Leaf
- Wandering Jew
- Spiderwort
Description
Tradescantia velutina (also called Velvet-Leaf Spiderwort, among many other common names) is a perennial herb growing up to 18 inches tall. It has bright purple flowers and is native to the southeastern United States. It is found in moist, open habitats such as meadows and prairies.
Uses & Benefits
Tradescantia velutina is used as an ornamental plant, for ground cover, and as a houseplant. It is known for its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as its air-purifying properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Tradescantia velutina has purple flowers with a white throat and a hairy calyx. The seeds are small, black and shiny. Seedlings are usually hairy and have a single pair of opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tradescantia velutina is a perennial herb that grows in moist, shady areas. It is native to Mexico and Central America. It can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. It is drought tolerant and does not require much water once established. It can be pruned to keep it in shape and to encourage new growth.
Where to Find Tradescantia velutina
Tradescantia velutina can be found in the southeastern United States, from Texas to Florida and north to North Carolina.
Tradescantia velutina FAQ
What is the scientific name of Tradescantia velutina?
Tradescantia velutina
What is the common name of Tradescantia velutina?
Velvet Spiderwort
What is the habitat of Tradescantia velutina?
It is found in moist, shady areas, such as woodlands and streambanks
Species in the Tradescantia genus
Tradescantia ambigua,
Tradescantia andrieuxii,
Tradescantia boliviana,
Tradescantia bracteata,
Tradescantia brevifolia,
Tradescantia buckleyi,
Tradescantia burchii,
Tradescantia cerinthoides,
Tradescantia cirrifera,
Tradescantia commelinoides,
Tradescantia crassifolia,
Tradescantia crassula,
Tradescantia cymbispatha,
Tradescantia decora,
Tradescantia deficiens,
Tradescantia edwardsiana,
Tradescantia ernestiana,
Tradescantia exaltata,
Tradescantia fluminensis,
Tradescantia gigantea,
Tradescantia gracillima,
Tradescantia grantii,
Tradescantia guiengolensis,
Tradescantia gypsophila,
Tradescantia hirsuticaulis,
Tradescantia hirsutiflora,
Tradescantia hirta,
Tradescantia huehueteca,
Tradescantia humilis,
Tradescantia leiandra,
Tradescantia llamasii,
Tradescantia longipes,
Tradescantia masonii,
Tradescantia maysillesii,
Tradescantia mcvaughii,
Tradescantia mirandae,
Tradescantia monosperma,
Tradescantia mundula,
Tradescantia nuevoleonensis,
Tradescantia occidentalis,
Tradescantia ohiensis,
Tradescantia orchidophylla,
Tradescantia ozarkana,
Tradescantia pallida,
Tradescantia pedicellata,
Tradescantia peninsularis,
Tradescantia petiolaris,
Tradescantia petricola,
Tradescantia pinetorum,
Tradescantia plusiantha,
Species in the Commelinaceae family
Aetheolirion stenolobium,
Amischotolype glabrata,
Amischotolype gracilis,
Amischotolype griffithii,
Amischotolype hispida,
Amischotolype hookeri,
Amischotolype irritans,
Amischotolype laxiflora,
Amischotolype marginata,
Amischotolype mollissima,
Amischotolype monosperma,
Amischotolype sphagnorrhiza,
Amischotolype tenuis,
Amischotolype barbarossa,
Amischotolype divaricata,
Amischotolype dolichandra,
Amischotolype hirsuta,
Amischotolype leiocarpa,
Amischotolype lobata,
Amischotolype parvifructa,
Amischotolype pedicellata,
Amischotolype rostrata,
Amischotolype strigosa,
Amischotolype welzeniana,
Aneilema acuminatum,
Aneilema aequinoctiale,
Aneilema alatum,
Aneilema angolense,
Aneilema aparine,
Aneilema arenicola,
Aneilema benadirense,
Aneilema beniniense,
Aneilema biflorum,
Aneilema brasiliense,
Aneilema brenanianum,
Aneilema brunneospermum,
Aneilema calceolus,
Aneilema chrysopogon,
Aneilema clarkei,
Aneilema dispermum,
Aneilema dregeanum,
Aneilema forskaolii,
Aneilema gillettii,
Aneilema grandibracteolatum,
Aneilema hirtum,
Aneilema hockii,
Aneilema homblei,
Aneilema indehiscens,
Aneilema johnstonii,
Aneilema lamuense,