Spiderwort: An Edible and Ornamental Permaculture Plant

Greetings, permaculture enthusiasts! Today, we’re focusing our attention on a plant that is not only beautiful but also edible – the Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.). This versatile plant is a wonderful addition to any permaculture garden, offering aesthetic appeal, ecological benefits, and culinary uses.

The Beauty of Spiderwort

Spiderworts, with their graceful, grass-like leaves and clusters of three-petaled flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, are a delight in any garden. They’re hardy perennials that can tolerate a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and are resistant to most pests and diseases.

Spiderwort in the Ecosystem

In a permaculture garden, diversity and sustainability are key. Spiderwort fulfills both these criteria beautifully. It’s a great plant for attracting beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination and adding to the biodiversity of your garden.

Spiderwort on the Plate

Beyond its ornamental and ecological use, Spiderwort has a long history as a foraged edible. The young leaves, stems, and flower buds can be eaten raw in salads, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They’re also excellent when lightly steamed or sautéed, similar in texture to green beans with a flavor reminiscent of asparagus. The flowers, aside from being gorgeous, are edible too and make a lovely garnish.

Though it’s a fantastic edible plant, like any foraged food, you should consume Spiderwort in moderation initially to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

A Recipe to Try

A delightful way to incorporate Spiderwort into your meals is by using it in a veggie penne dish with a rich vodka sauce. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of penne pasta
• 1 cup of young Spiderwort leaves and stems, rinsed and chopped
• 1 jar of your favorite vodka sauce
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced zucchini to the pan and sauté until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped Spiderwort to the pan and sauté until it’s wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper.
5. Pour the vodka sauce into the pan and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
6. Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
7. Serve the pasta hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This Spiderwort Veggie Penne with Vodka Sauce is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy this versatile plant. Remember to consume Spiderwort in moderation initially to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

As always, we love to see your permaculture successes. Share your experiences with Spiderwort using the tags #permacultureposse and #guideyourgarden.

Bon appetit and happy gardening!