Spreading Spiderflower: What You Need to Know About This Uncommon Annual
If you’ve stumbled across the name spreading spiderflower in your gardening research, you might be wondering whether this plant deserves a spot in your garden. While the name certainly sounds intriguing, Cleome diffusa is actually quite a mysterious member of the spiderflower family that doesn’t get much attention in typical gardening circles.
The Basics: What Is Spreading Spiderflower?
Spreading spiderflower (Cleome diffusa) is an annual forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Like other plants in the Cleome family, it gets its spiderflower moniker from the distinctive long, thin stamens that extend beyond the petals, creating a spidery appearance.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting—spreading spiderflower isn’t native to North America. It’s an introduced species that has managed to establish itself and reproduce without human help. Currently, it’s been documented growing wild in Alabama, though its exact native origins aren’t widely publicized in common gardening resources.
Should You Grow Spreading Spiderflower?
This is where we hit a bit of a roadblock. Unlike its more popular cousins in the Cleome family, spreading spiderflower doesn’t have a wealth of horticultural information available. We don’t have clear details about its growing requirements, appearance, or how well it performs in garden settings.
Since it’s a non-native species with limited gardening information, you might want to consider some fantastic native alternatives instead:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – A native annual with showy flowers that pollinators absolutely love
- Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) – Bright, cheerful flowers that self-seed readily
- Blue wild indigo (Amorpha fruticosa) – Though not an annual, it provides similar structural interest
The Case for Native Plants
While spreading spiderflower isn’t known to be invasive, choosing native plants for your garden comes with some pretty compelling benefits:
- They’re naturally adapted to your local climate and soil conditions
- They support native wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects
- They typically require less water and maintenance once established
- They help preserve the ecological heritage of your region
If You’re Set on Cleome…
If you’re drawn to the spiderflower look, consider the more widely available and well-documented Cleome hassleriana (spider flower) or better yet, look into native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal. Many native plants offer the same architectural interest and unusual flower forms that make Cleome species so appealing.
The Bottom Line
Spreading spiderflower remains something of an enigma in the gardening world. With limited cultivation information available and its non-native status, it’s not necessarily the best choice for most gardeners. Instead, consider exploring the wonderful world of native annuals that will give you reliable performance while supporting your local ecosystem.
Remember, every plant choice is an opportunity to create habitat and support the intricate web of life that makes our gardens truly come alive. Why not choose plants that have been perfecting their relationships with local wildlife for thousands of years?
