Tradescantia virginiana L.

Herbs, erect or ascending, rarely rooting at nodes. Roots (1.5--)2--4 mm thick, fleshy. Stems 5--35 cm; internodes glabrous or occasionally distal internodes sparsely puberulent. Leaves spirally arranged, sessile; blade linear-lanceolate, 13--37 ´ 0.4--2.5 cm (distal leaf blades equal to or narrower than sheaths when sheaths opened, flattened), apex acuminate, glabrous or occasionally puberulent. Inflorescences terminal and (rarely) axillary; bracts foliaceous, well developed, not saccate, sparsely to densely pilose. Flowers distinctly pedicillate; pedicels 1.2--3.5 cm, eglandular-pilose or puberulent; sepals ± inflated, 7--16 mm, uniformly eglandular-pilose; petals distinct, blue to purple, occasionally rose or white, broadly ovate, not clawed, 1.2--2 cm; stamens free; filaments bearded. Capsules 4--7 mm. Seeds 2--3 mm. 2n = 12, 24.

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows near the edges of forests and along roadsides. It will grow in most soils and needs a protected, partly shaded position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

The fresh young leaves can be used in salads or boiled for 10 minutes and eaten as a green vegetable. They can be added to soups and stews. They can be served with butter or an oil or vinegar dressing. The flowers can be eaten and used as a garnish or candied. The seeds can be roasted and eaten.

Plants can be grown by division.