Spiderwort

perennial plant that grows 1 to 2 feet tall and is commonly found individually or in clumps in wooded areas and fields. The plant has long thin bladelike leaves that grow to just over a foot long; the plant's flowers are usually purple with three petals and yellow stamens, though some varieties have rose or white flowers.

Though sometimes accounted a weed, spiderwort is cultivated for borders and also used in containers. Where it appears as a volunteer, it is often welcomed and allowed to stay.

The spiderwort was introduced to Europe in 1629, surely one of the first North American plants to cross the Atlantic.

The Wandering Jew is in the same family (Commelinaceae) as the spiderwort.