Spiderwort

from: http://www.gpnc.org/spiderwo.htm

Spiderworts are very distinctive late spring/early summer prairie wildflowers. Growing knee-high, their (usually) blue flowers stand out among the green of the new grass. Spiderwort flowers have a very short life - only a single morning - but each plant will produce 20 or more flowers per stem. The petals quickly decompose after blooming.

Break the tip off a spiderwort leaf and wait for a drop of sap to appear, then touch it with your fingertip and notice how far you can stretch a thread of sap. This resemblance to a spider's silk may explain where its name came from. The gooey quality of the sap definitely explains its familiar nickname of "cow slobber"! While you are up close, look at the lo-ong purple hairs on the stamens!

The stems, leaves and flowers of spiderworts are edible. The herbage may be eaten raw or added to stews. The flowers (which may be either pink, blue or rose-purple) make an attractive edible garnish for salads.

Spiderworts are one of the native wildflowers that have made their way into the nursery trade. They may also be easily propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. They make an interesting addition to the home landscape.

The genus of spiderworts is named for John Tradescant, who was gardener for King Charles I of England. He grew them from seed brought back from America and spiderworts are still popular in English gardens today.