Tradescantia ohiensis is a bold clump forming wildflower with upright stems topped by vibrant blue to purple three petaled flowers. Blooming over many weeks from late spring into summer, each blossom lasts just a day yet new flowers appear again and again. The slightly arching leaves are grasslike and the plant often spreads into attractive colonies, making it a standout in both formal beds and wildflower meadows.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 12 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils; tolerates clay and seasonal wetness
Watering Needs: Moderate; benefits from moisture during active growth
Deer Resistance: Occasionally browsed but generally unpalatable
Native Status
This species is native to eastern and central North America commonly found in prairies, open woods, roadsides, and moist meadows.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Great Spangled Fritillary for nectar.
Bees
- Attracts native bumblebees, green sweat bees, and leafcutter bees, which collect pollen from its prominent anthers.
Moths
- Used as a larval food source by noctuid moths such as the Common Looper and Wavy Lined Emerald.
Birds
- Provides cover and nesting material for small birds; seeds occasionally eaten by finches and sparrows.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to encourage upright growth and allow for gentle clump expansion.
Landscape Placement:
- Well suited to prairie borders, moist wildflower gardens, pollinator beds, and naturalistic plantings. Can be cut back after flowering for a second flush of growth.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Shares bloom season and attracts a similar range of pollinators.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Provides lavender blooms and aromatic foliage in prairie or meadow combinations.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Adds vertical spikes and late summer bloom interest in pollinator focused plantings.
- Rudbeckia fulgida (Black Eyed Susan) - Offers long blooming golden flowers and strong structure in mixed beds.
- Penstemon digitalis (Beardtongue) - Adds early summer white flowers and vertical structure that complements Tradescantia’s arching leaves.