Spiderwort Control in Hay Fields and Pastures

This document is about Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.). This is a native perennial species found throughout the eastern half of the US. It has a large, fleshy stem with long and grass-like leaves. Spiderwort emerges in early spring, then flowers and produces seed through midsummer. This plant is problematic in grazing systems because it is largely avoided by cattle. The large, fleshy stem also makes this plant an issue in hay production. When cut with a grass forage, spiderwort does not dry at the same rate as grass and can cause spoilage when the hay is baled.