The Ohio spiderwort is a native perennial wildflower that grows in well drained areas of the eastern half of the United States. It blooms from mid-May through July, and you may be able to encourage a secondary blooming. Cutting back this plant after blooms have gone to seed can result in new plant growth and subsequent flowering in autumn. The Ohio spiderwort can grow well over 2 feet tall in rich, well-drained soil.
How the plant got its name: It was first scientifically recorded found in the state of Ohio. "Spider" refers to the tiny blue hairs inside the flower that mimic spider legs. Also, if you break the flower stem and put the sap between two fingers, when you pull your fingers apart a silky spider web thread will result. The name "wort" was attributed many years ago to flowering plants that have medicinal uses. Native Americans have used this plant as a pain reliever by rubbing its juices on skin irritated by insect bites.
Through the Woods is a weekly nature column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more of Horrell's work at the Painted Wren Gallery in downtown Cape Girardeau.
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