Tradescantia ohiensis
Bluejacket
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · licence
Family: Commelinaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Tradescantia ohiensis (Bluejacket) is a non-native California herb in the Commelinaceae family, recognized by No sympatric species - geographically isolated. Key features: large glaucous leaves, garden escape habitat.
Bluejacket is a naturalized perennial found in Humboldt County's gardens, occasionally escaping into surrounding areas at elevations around 50 meters. Flowering in May, this plant produces blue to purple flowers in small terminal and axillary clusters. Growing with upright stems 5 to 45 centimeters tall, it has a smooth, bluish-green appearance. Its leaves are long and glaucous, measuring 5 to 45 centimeters, occasionally with shaggy-haired sheaths. The plant's sepals range from 4 to 15 millimeters in length, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species - geographically isolated. Key features: large glaucous leaves, garden escape habitat.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gardens, occasionally escaping
Elevation: 50 m
California counties: Humboldt
Outside California: native to eastern North America
Bloom period
Tradescantia ohiensis blooms May.
How to tell it apart
vs Commelina: Tradescantia has three equal petals (symmetrical); Commelina has two large and one tiny petal (lopsided).; vs Vinca: Tradescantia has 3 petals; Vinca has 5 petals forming a pinwheel with a dark eye in center.; vs Cordyline: Tradescantia has showy three-petaled flowers; Cordyline has tiny flowers in large branched clusters and woody stems.; vs Callisia: Tradescantia has flowers over 1 cm wide; Callisia has tiny flowers under 5 mm and often creeping succulent stems.; vs Oxalis: Tradescantia has 3 petals; Oxalis has 5 petals and distinctive shamrock-like leaves that fold at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tradescantia ohiensis native to California?
No. Tradescantia ohiensis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Tradescantia ohiensis bloom?
Tradescantia ohiensis blooms May.
Where in California does Tradescantia ohiensis grow?
Tradescantia ohiensis occurs in Humboldt, at elevations of 50 m.
What plant family does Tradescantia ohiensis belong to?
Tradescantia ohiensis is in the Commelinaceae family, genus Tradescantia.
What habitat does Tradescantia ohiensis grow in?
Tradescantia ohiensis grows in Gardens, occasionally escaping.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.