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Native Plant Society of Texas

Prairie Spiderwort

Tradescantia occidentalis

Other common name(s):

Western Spiderwort, Spiderwort

Family:

Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Coastal Sand Plain, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Arid Llano Estacado, Canadian/Cimarron High Plains, Llano Estacado, Rolling Sand Plains, Shinnery Sands
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys, Semiarid Canadian Breaks
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1.5
to
3
ft.

Spread

0.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Calcareous, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Pink, Blue, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees

Maintenance

Grows in a variety of well-drained soils. A long-flowering plant that works well in a herbaceous border or wildflower meadow. Young growth may be eaten by slugs. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms March-October. Erect, branching stems. Leaves are long and narrow. Several flowers, in clusters at stem or branch ends, with bracts below that are similar to the leaves. Flowers have three blue-violet to rose petals, which close by mid-day and last only one day. The fruit is a capsule.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Ensure you have clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Sterilize the blades with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution to prevent the spread of diseases. Make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, leaving at least two or three leaves on the upper part of the stem for photosynthesis. Place the cutting in a glass of water or a moist potting mix. Ensure the nodes are submerged in water or buried in the potting mix. Place the setup in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days or keep the soil lightly moist. Roots should begin to form in 1-3 weeks. Once substantial roots have developed, transplant the cutting into a suitable pot with well-draining soil. After propagating western Spiderwort, position the new plant in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Water the plant consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between watering. Western Spiderwort enjoys high humidity, so consider using a humidity tray or misting the leaves. Choose a healthy stem from western Spiderwort that is at least 4-6 inches long. Make sure the stem has several nodes, as these will help in root development. The optimal periods for propagating western Spiderwort are spring and summer, using cutting methods. These seasons offer favorable conditions with mild temperatures and increased daylight, which are critical for root generation and growth. The longer daylight periods in these months also provide sufficient light for photosynthesis, important for the successful establishment of new plants. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Tradescantia_occidentalis.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason