Asian Spiderflower: A Naturalized Annual with Mixed Garden Appeal
Meet the Asian spiderflower (Cleome viscosa), a somewhat sticky annual that’s made itself quite at home across parts of the United States. While it may not win any beauty contests, this resilient little plant has carved out its own niche in the gardening world – though whether that’s a good thing depends entirely on what you’re looking for in your landscape.
What Exactly Is Asian Spiderflower?
Asian spiderflower is an annual forb – basically a non-woody flowering plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Originally hailing from tropical regions of Africa and Asia, this plant has established itself as a naturalized resident across several U.S. states. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonyms, including Arivela viscosa, Cleome icosandra, or Polanisia viscosa, but they’re all the same plant.
The viscosa part of its name gives away one of its most distinctive characteristics – it’s sticky! The entire plant has a somewhat clammy, viscous texture that tends to collect dust and debris.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This adaptable annual has spread across multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. It’s also established populations in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and even remote Navassa Island. That’s quite a geographic spread for a plant that wasn’t originally from here!
The Garden Appeal Question
Let’s be honest – Asian spiderflower isn’t going to stop traffic with its stunning beauty. The small pink to purple flowers are pleasant enough, featuring four petals and prominent stamens that give the blooms their spidery appearance. However, the plant’s somewhat weedy growth habit and sticky texture make it more of a curiosity than a showstopper.
That said, it does offer some practical benefits:
- Attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies
- Extremely drought-tolerant once established
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Requires virtually no maintenance
- Self-seeds readily for natural propagation
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give Asian spiderflower a try, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils but will tolerate a wide range of conditions. In fact, it’s almost too adaptable – its ability to thrive in disturbed soils and poor conditions is part of what’s helped it spread so successfully.
The wetland status varies by region, but generally, this plant prefers upland areas and rarely occurs in wetlands, except in some Caribbean locations where it shows more flexibility.
For growing zones, treat it as an annual in most temperate areas, though it may behave more like a perennial in zones 9-11.
Planting and Propagation
Growing Asian spiderflower is straightforward – perhaps too straightforward. Direct seed in spring after the last frost, barely covering the seeds with soil. Germination typically occurs within 1-2 weeks under warm conditions. Once established, plants will likely self-seed for the following year, so be prepared for volunteers.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Asian spiderflower isn’t currently listed as invasive, its non-native status and tendency to naturalize readily might give some gardeners pause. It’s one of those plants that walks the line between useful garden resident and potential nuisance.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance annual that attracts pollinators and doesn’t mind poor growing conditions, Asian spiderflower could work for informal areas of your garden. However, consider exploring native alternatives that could provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Native Cleome species like Rocky Mountain beeplant (Cleome serrulata)
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea)
- Regional native wildflower mixes
The Bottom Line
Asian spiderflower is one of those plants that’s neither villain nor hero – it’s simply established itself as part of the naturalized flora in many areas. While it won’t harm your garden and does provide some pollinator value, native alternatives will generally offer greater ecological benefits and often more ornamental appeal as well.
If you’re curious about this sticky little survivor, try it in an out-of-the-way spot where its casual appearance won’t clash with more formal plantings. Just be aware that you might be hosting it for years to come, thanks to its enthusiastic self-seeding habit!
