Virginia spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
Commelinaceae · [VERIFY] · introduced
Last updated
Virginia spiderwort is a native perennial reaching 1-3 ft with an upright growth habit. It blooms May to July with three-petaled flowers and has linear, lance-shaped foliage. Plants spread naturally through rhizomes.
Virginia spiderwort is hardy in zones 3a-8b and tolerates clay, wet soil, and black walnut. It attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators while being poisonous to humans and problematic for pets. Growth is medium-paced with moderate maintenance in moist conditions.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Virginia spiderwort has reached beginning of flowering (1877 GDD₃₂) and is approaching full bloom, predicted around Jun 3.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 236 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 257 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 298 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 335 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 371 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 375 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | Beginning of flowering | Full bloom | 458 |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW | 1877 | — |
| ○ Full bloom BBCH 65 NEXT | 2630 | — est. Jun 3 (forecast) |
Source: UMD phenology catalog (UMD: extension.umd.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.