Wide-leaf Spiderwort
Tradescantia subaspera
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Wide-leaf Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Wide-leaf spiderwort is a native perennial that forms neat clumps of broad, grass-like foliage. It produces clusters of three-petaled blue to purple flowers from May through July, creating an attractive display in partially shaded areas. The plant maintains a compact, well-behaved growth habit without aggressive spreading.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wide-leaf Spiderwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the extended blooming period. Native bees particularly value this plant as a reliable nectar source during late spring and early summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wide-leaf Spiderwort need?
- Wide-leaf Spiderwort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Wide-leaf Spiderwort bloom?
- Wide-leaf Spiderwort blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Wide-leaf Spiderwort native?
- Wide-leaf Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Wide-leaf Spiderwort attract?
- Wide-leaf Spiderwort draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Wide-leaf Spiderwort HOA-friendly?
- Wide-leaf Spiderwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Wide-leaf Spiderwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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