Weed of the Week: Spiderwort

by | Mar 16, 2018 | Forage & Pasture, hay, pasture, Pest Management, Weeds

Figure 1. Spiderwort can be easily identified by its clusters of colorful flowers with three petals. Photo credit: Mike Durham, UF/IFAS

Found across the eastern half of the United States, Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.) is a perennial species with fleshy stems and long grass-like leaves. Known to some as “Free From God Flowers” due to its purple flower clusters, it is not such a blessing to pasture owners and hay producers. Spiderwort is an issue for cattle producers, as it is avoided by cattle during grazing. In addition, its fleshy thick stem causes issues in hay production because it does not dry at the same rate as grass, causing spoilage if bailed.

For help to identifying weeds, or developing control plans for your operation, please contact your county extension agent. 

For more information on this topic please see the following UF/IFAS Publication:

Spiderwort Control in Hay Fields and Pastures

 

Kalyn Waters
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