Longbract Spiderwort

Tradescantia bracteata

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Commelinaceae
Genus:
Tradescantia
Species:
Tradescantia bracteata
USDA Symbol:
TRBR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from roots following fire; commonly found in fire-maintained prairies.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to prairies and open woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best after cold stratification. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI