What plant is the spider flower? Let us introduce you to this herbaceous plant

Other names for the spider flower

Western spider flower, butterfly cleome, purple dragon whiskers, spider flower

Morphological characteristics of the spider flower

The spider flower is a robust annual herbaceous plant, 1-1.5 m tall, with sticky glandular hairs all over the plant, a distinctive foul odor, and stipular spines up to 4 mm long that are sharp and curved outward.

The spider flower blooms from June to September; its flower stems are long and sturdy, and when the flowers are in full bloom, the raceme forms a full flower ball, with each small flower resembling a dancing butterfly, very beautiful.

Growth habits of the spider flower

It is highly adaptable. It likes high temperatures, tolerates summer heat fairly well, and fears cold. It prefers sunny spots and also grows well in partially shaded locations. It is not demanding about soil; in fertile ground with ample water and nutrients, the plant grows tall; in ordinary soil of moderate fertility, it also grows well; it grows poorly in sandy loam, somewhat heavy clay soil, or alkaline soil. It likes moist soil and is also fairly tolerant of drought, but dislikes waterlogging.

Main uses of the spider flower

Landscaping: The petals of the spider flower are light and graceful, and when in full bloom they look like dancing butterflies, quite intriguing. It can be used in summer and autumn to arrange flower beds and flower borders, and can also be dwarf-cultivated as a potted plant for ornamental viewing. In landscaping applications, because of its tolerance of partial shade, it can be planted under trees or on the shady side of buildings for ornamental viewing.

Economic: The spider flower opens in the evening and withers the next day, so it is also called the flower of summer nights; its brief life gives a feeling of illusory impermanence. This spider flower is native to the tropical regions of South America and is an excellent pollution-resistant flower, with strong resistance to sulfur dioxide and chlorine gas; it can beautify the environment and is an excellent pollution-resistant flower, growing well even in heavily polluted factories and mines. It is also an excellent nectar plant and can be used to extract high-quality essential oil.