Weed Watch: Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis)

Wandering Trad is an extremely invasive prostrate spreading perrenial plant especially in moist areas and along waterways.

It can grow rapidly and smother indigenous grasses, orchids, groundcovers and herbs.

The best method for removal is to remove the entire plant roots and all and dispose of appropriately, the stems of this weed can survive for a year with no contact to soil or roots

Botanic Name: Tradescantia fluminensis

Common Name: Wandering Trad, Small leaf Spiderwort, Trad, Wandering Creeper, Water Spiderwort, Wandering Creeper, Wandering Willie, Creeping Christian, Wandering Jew, Wandering Dew

Origin: South America

Flowers: September – February

Photo Credit: Linda Sijpkes

Wandering Trad is often confused with Hackelia latifolia aka Forest Hounds tongue

Forest Hounds Tongue (Hackelia latifolia) is an indigenous groundcover that likes moist conditions similar to conditions you will find Wandering Trad.

Some distinct differences of are:

Forest Hounds tongue leaves have a rough slighlty hairy surface while Wandering Trad leaves are glossy and smooth

Forest Hounds tongue has small flowers that range from white,pale blue to pale mauve whilst Wandering Trad has white flowers with prominent yellow anthers