About Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.
Tradescantia ohiensis Raf. can be identified by several key distinguishing features. It has glaucous leaves and stems, and its leaves grow at an acute angle to the stems. Any hairs present on its sepals are glandless, and if hairs do appear, they are restricted to the sepal apex. This species has a relatively tall growth habit, reaching up to approximately 115 cm. Its most common habitats are roadsides, railroad corridors, open fields, and thickets. Less typical habitats include woodlands, and it can sometimes be found growing alongside streams. Like many other species in the Tradescantia genus, T. ohiensis frequently forms hybrids with related species when they grow in the same area. Researchers believe at least nine different Tradescantia species can hybridize with T. ohiensis. T. ohiensis, commonly called Ohio spiderwort, has edible flowers and shoots. Its flowers and stems can be eaten raw, while its leaves must be cooked before eating. The leaves of this plant are mucilaginous, and can be used to soothe insect bites in the same way aloe vera is used.
