Summary:
– Meet the Prairie Spiderwort, a native New Mexico wildflower
– Member of the Dayflower family, known for blooming in clusters and succession
– The name Spiderwort comes from the appearance of the secretion inside the stems
– The plant has medicinal uses and can be used to treat a variety of ailments
– Visit the Garden’s page for more information on this unique wildflower
What’s Blooming? Wednesdays – Meet the Prairie Spiderwort
The world of nature is filled with unique and fascinating flora and fauna, each with unique characteristics and traits. One such plant that you may not have heard of before is the Prairie Spiderwort, a beautiful wildflower that is native to the state of New Mexico. This flower is a member of the Dayflower family, also known as the Spiderwort family, and there are several compelling reasons behind these common names.
One of the Prairie Spiderwort’s most unique features is how it blooms. Unlike many other plants that produce many flowers at once, the Spiderwort blooms in clusters, with each flower opening one at a time in the morning and only remaining available for pollination until midday. This allows the plant to conserve resources while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
The name “Spiderwort” itself is also quite intriguing. While many people may immediately think of spiders when they hear the name, the truth is that this name describes the appearance of the secretion inside the stems. When this liquid hardens, it creates a weblike structure resembling spiders’ webs. This unique feature is just one of the many things that make the Prairie Spiderwort such a fascinating plant.
But the Spiderwort’s charms don’t end there. This wildflower has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The “wort” in its name refers to plants that have some medicinal use. Native Americans commonly used the Prairie Spiderwort to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and skin irritations. Today, herbalists still use the plant for these same purposes, and it is also believed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Prairie Spiderwort and its unique characteristics, there is no better place to turn than the Garden’s page. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information about this fascinating plant, including its history, uses, and cultivation tips. And if you happen to be lucky enough to come across a Prairie Spiderwort in your travels, be sure to take a closer look – you never know what other secrets this wildflower may be hiding.
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Source Description
What’s Blooming? Wednesdays – Meet the Prairie Spiderwort: this New Mexico native wildflower is a member of the Dayflower family, also called the Spiderwort family, and there is a unique reason for each of these common names. Dayflowers grow in clusters and bloom in succession, opening one at a time in the morning and only staying until midday. The name Spiderwort refers to the appearance of the secretion inside the stems, which becomes weblike after hardening, and “wort” often refers to plants with medicinal uses. Visit the Garden’s page to read more; link in bio. Pictured: Prairie Spiderwort on the path to the Railroad Gardens
