Zigzag Spiderwort: A Charming Native Wildflower for Shady Gardens
If you’re looking for a delicate native wildflower that thrives in those tricky shady spots of your garden, meet the zigzag spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera var. subaspera). This understated beauty might not steal the spotlight like flashy garden favorites, but it brings a quiet charm and ecological value that makes it a wonderful addition to any native plant collection.
What Is Zigzag Spiderwort?
Zigzag spiderwort is a native perennial wildflower that belongs to the spiderwort family. As a herbaceous plant (or forb in botanical terms), it lacks woody stems and dies back to the ground each winter, returning faithfully each spring. This native gem has been quietly beautifying eastern and central American woodlands for centuries.
You might occasionally see this plant listed under its botanical synonyms, including Tradescantia pilosa, but regardless of the name on the tag, you’re getting the same lovely woodland dweller.
Where Does It Call Home?
This spiderwort is a true American native, naturally occurring across eleven states and Washington D.C. You’ll find wild populations thriving from the hills of Pennsylvania down to the forests of North Carolina, and west through the woodlands of Arkansas and Missouri. Its natural range includes Arkansas, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Why Choose Zigzag Spiderwort for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to give this native wildflower a spot in your landscape:
- Native plant benefits: By choosing a native species, you’re supporting local ecosystems and providing resources that native wildlife recognize and depend upon
- Low maintenance: Once established, this perennial requires minimal care and can handle some drought
- Shade tolerance: Perfect for those challenging areas under trees where many flowers struggle
- Pollinator support: The small flowers attract beneficial insects like native bees and flies
- Natural spreading: It expands gradually through underground stems, making it excellent ground cover
What Does It Look Like?
Zigzag spiderwort offers subtle beauty rather than bold drama. The plant produces small, three-petaled flowers in shades of purple to pink that appear throughout the growing season. Its narrow, linear leaves create an elegant, grass-like texture that adds fine detail to garden compositions. The overall effect is delicate and naturalistic – perfect for gardeners who appreciate understated charm.
Perfect Garden Spots
This adaptable native shines in several garden settings:
- Woodland gardens: Ideal for recreating natural forest floor communities
- Shade gardens: Thrives where many other flowering plants struggle
- Native plant gardens: A wonderful addition to ecological landscaping projects
- Naturalized areas: Perfect for low-maintenance areas where you want gentle coverage
Growing Zigzag Spiderwort Successfully
The good news is that zigzag spiderwort is quite forgiving and relatively easy to grow. Here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full shade (morning sun with afternoon shade works well)
- Soil: Moist to medium moisture levels; adapts to various soil types
- Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 5-9
- Water: Regular moisture preferred, but drought tolerant once established
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for natural spreading
- Water regularly the first year while roots establish
- Once established, minimal care needed – just occasional watering during extended dry periods
- Allow the plant to spread naturally, or divide clumps every few years to control size
- Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring
Supporting Pollinators and Wildlife
While zigzag spiderwort may seem modest, it plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for various small pollinators, including native bees and beneficial flies. As a native plant, it’s part of the complex web of relationships that support biodiversity in your local area.
Is Zigzag Spiderwort Right for Your Garden?
Consider adding zigzag spiderwort to your garden if you:
- Have shady areas that need gentle ground cover
- Want to support native ecosystems and pollinators
- Prefer low-maintenance plants
- Appreciate subtle, naturalistic beauty over bold displays
- Are creating a woodland or native plant garden
While it won’t provide the dramatic impact of showier perennials, zigzag spiderwort offers the quiet satisfaction of growing a plant that belongs in your local landscape. It’s a perfect choice for gardeners who find joy in supporting native ecosystems while adding gentle beauty to challenging shady spaces.
