May 2009

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Warmer temperatures, increasing amounts of daylight and beautiful flowers are just some of the reasons that people enjoy spring. Native wildflowers make wonderful additions to your garden as well as providing food and shelter for wildlife. They bloom for a long period of time and are resistant to disease and drought. 

spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.)

Photo © 2008, Adele Hodde, IDNR Office of Public Services. Photo rights available for purchase.

Several species of spiderwort grow in the woods and prairies of Illinois. They bloom from April through August. The blue-violet flowers each have their own stalk, but they are arranged in clusters at the tip of the stem. Each flower has three petals. A flower only lasts for a single day, but the plant is prolific in producing flowers. The long, narrow leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. A single plant may reach a maximum of about three feet in height.  

For more information about native Illinois plants, including where to purchase them and planting guides, the following publications are available through the IDNR order form at http://dnr.state.il.us/teachkids.

Prairie Establishment and Landscaping

Landscaping for Wildlife

Butterfly Gardens