Spiderwort (Tradenscantia Occidentalis)

This Minnesota native begins blooming in late May and produces purple flowers throughout most of June and July. Spiderwort can be found in savannas and dry prairies in east central Minnesota and has great heat and drought tolerance. This plant sits 12-18” tall, with Daylily-like foliage, especially when first emerging. One unique thing about this plant is it produces flowers that only last one day and are closed by mid-day. Also, this plant was named after John Tradescant, who served as a gardener for Charles 1 in England.