White Flowered Wandering Jew Tradescantia fluminensis (Vell.) Commelinaceae

Biology Native to tropical South AmericaNative to tropical South America Introduced as an ornamentalIntroduced as an ornamental –Variable foliage types –Ease of propagation Spread vegetatively thru stolon fragmentation and sexually from seedsSpread vegetatively thru stolon fragmentation and sexually from seeds Member of the dayflower familyMember of the dayflower family

Distribution & Impacts Generally found in north central Florida, but also infestations throughoutGenerally found in north central Florida, but also infestations throughout –Generally as a direct escape from cultivation Category 1 exotic invasive (FLEPPC)Category 1 exotic invasive (FLEPPC) Floodplain forests and bottomlands, moist hammocksFloodplain forests and bottomlands, moist hammocks Forms a dense groundcoverForms a dense groundcover Smothers native understory vegetationSmothers native understory vegetation

White Flowered Wandering Jew Distribution in Florida

Identification

Mature Plant Creeping, multi- branching, succulent plantCreeping, multi- branching, succulent plant Perennial, vegetative reproduction from creeping stolonsPerennial, vegetative reproduction from creeping stolons Grows 1 to 2 feet in heightGrows 1 to 2 feet in height

Leaves Alternate arrangementAlternate arrangement Lanceolate shaped, 2 inches longLanceolate shaped, 2 inches long Slight pubescenceSlight pubescence Parallel veination with prominent recessed midveinParallel veination with prominent recessed midvein Maybe tinged with purpleMaybe tinged with purple

Flowers Flowers occur in small clusters at the tip of the stemFlowers occur in small clusters at the tip of the stem 3 petals3 petals Fruit are small, 3 parted capsulesFruit are small, 3 parted capsules Seeds are black and pittedSeeds are black and pitted

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants, including resprouts and before seeds are produced 3.Avoid mechanical disturbance in forested areas – logging, rouging, etc. where this plant is present  Spread from cut pieces

Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace white flowered wandering jew 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this plant and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.There are no known biological control agents available for white flowered wandering jew management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

Mechanical 1.Hand pull young seedlings, including all stolons, repeated pulling for resprouts 2.Mowing or cutting is ineffective, as the plant will regrow from stem cuttings – may actually spread the plant through fragmentation

Chemical 1.Over-the-top applications of glyphosate at 2 to 3% solution or triclopyr at 1 to 2% solution plus 0.25% surfactant 2.Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide 3.Retreatment will likely be necessary for complete eradication 4.Limited testing with other herbicides

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas:

Useful Links Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database: Global Invasive Species Database:

Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp