Spiderwort

Small-leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis). From Economically Important Foreign Weeds, USDA, 1976.

Regina Olson grew up in rural Nebraska. She became deaf as a teenager, and learned sign language when she came to Gallaudet at 19 years old. She graduated in 1918, completed a Master’s degree in 1920, and married Frederick H. Hughes, ’13, in 1923. They lived in House #2 (Ballard House) for over 30 years.

Growing at Gallaudet
Name: Purple-heart spiderwort (Tradescantia pallida)
Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderworts, dayflowers)
Native region: Northeast Mexico
Recorded: 1907
Growing tips: Commonly used for decorative purposes, grow in full sun for rich purple color. Drought-tolerant, fertilize monthly. Best for mild climates, keep inside during winters.