Bluejacket

Bluejacket

Tradescantia ohiensis

Most folks call this plant Spiderwort, or more specifically Ohio Spiderwort.  There are actually four species of Tradescantia (Spiderworts) native to Indiana - Longbract, Virginia, Zigzag, and Ohio.  This one can be distinguished from the others because it is taller, does not have hairs on its flower stems or bracts (leaves under the flowers) and its stem is not zigzagged.

Bluejacket is a very pretty and showy flower that pops out in the spring.  The individual flowers only last a short time, but each plant keeps popping out more flowers.  They can make a dull green field burst with color.

They are also used in flower gardens and landscaping and many of the species have several cultivars, so it can be a bit confusing to know which species is which.  I just call them all Spiderworts.