wandering jew herbicide control

How to Control Trad or Wandering Jew

Tradescantia fluminensis or ‘Wandering Jew Weed’

The question of How to Control Trad or Wandering Jew is a complicated one. This is a very difficult plant to quickly eradicate, however, over time it can be done.

Tradescantia fluminensis, ‘Wandering Jew Weed’ or ‘Wandering Trad’ is an invasive creeper like weed that is difficult to kill.

It is shade tolerant, smothers other plants by forming a dense mat and will regenerate from the smallest piece dropped of left on the ground.

Some of the Systemic weed killers based on glyphosate can be used on Tradescantia fluminensis (Tradescantia albiflora).

The big problem with Wandering Jew or Wandering Trad is that although it is vigorous and this is a problem, it is also weak so it is very easily broken when digging or weeding.

As it will ‘take’ from the smallest of pieces, anything that is dropped is a potential ‘new weed’. In lawns, if mown it will spread widely and any pieces caught in the mower will ‘take’ if dropped somewhere later on.

How to Control Trad or Wandering Jew by removal or eradication

• Weeding.  Weeding can solve the problem, but careful weeding so that you remove every piece and place it directly into a plastic bag for correct disposal. You will need to keep at it for a few years, but it can be eradicated.
• Poison or weed killer. Because of the waxy glossy foliage Wandering Jew if fairly resistent to sprays. Some reports say that by adding dishwashing liquid to glyphosate weed killers a higher success rate can be had. Consult manufactures directions.
• Smothering.   This stuff is tough, you could try smothering with black plastic, however repeat weeding is probably better and easier.
• Organic solution. Weeding

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Wandering-Jew

Wandering jew, tradescantia fluminensis.

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DESCRIPTION

Also called Wandering Willie, Wandering Jew is originally from South America, it was imported into New Zealand as a popular ornamental groundcover and hanging basket plant.  But careless disposals of home garden stock, combined with NZ’s ideal growing conditions, have seen it become a serious and persistent pest in much of the country.

It has shiny oval leaves (3-6cm long) with very short stems.  It flowers during Spring, producing clusters of small white flowers with three petals. It grows as a dense, green, succulent carpet up to 50cm thick and can quickly choke out a large area if left unchecked.

Wandering Jew prefers damp, shady locations such as stream banks, lowland forests and native bush, as well as sheltered spots on the margins of pastures and other farmland.  It is also a particular problem in large gardens and reserves.

Wandering Jew does not normally seed in New Zealand, but instead grows easily (very easily) from the node fragments of the succulent stems.  If Wandering Jew is pulled out and dumped, the discarded material is almost certain to take root and grow rapidly in the new location.  It is therefore easily spread by mowers and other machinery, especially along roadways.  In native bushland, broken fragments are washed downstream by floodwaters, and can thus re-establish over a large area.  

MANUAL REMOVAL

Manual removal of small areas of Wandering Jew is quite easy, in that the plant is not deeply-rooted and so comes away from the soil readily, especially in times of dry weather.  The process can be assisted, and the back eased, by using a rake.  

The problem is that even very small fragments can regrow.  That means that every bit of the removed material has to be taken from the site, or reinfestation is nearly certain.  It also means that disposal of the removed material must be thorough and thoughtful, or the problem will just be transferred somewhere else.  The best disposal method is to bury all of the removed material deeply (30-50cm at least), to prevent regrowth.  The waste vegetation can also be burnt, but being a wet, succulent plant it will need to be dried out before it will burn successfully, and this obviously raises the question of finding a safe location from which the drying vegetation cannot ‘escape’. 

Do not attempt to mulch or compost any removed Wandering Jew material, because the stem nodes can survive the composting process as well as prolonged exposure to the sun, so once the contaminated compost is re-used, the Wandering Jew will probably appear at that new site.

HERBICIDES TO CONTROL WANDERING JEW

Spray WeedKillers to Kill Wandering Jew

Spraying is the preferred method of controlling larger infestations of Wandering Jew, beyond the size that can reasonably be hand-removed.  There are three effective spraying options, each with advantages for certain situations:

• Triclo  at 60ml + 10ml SuperWetter organosilicone penetrant per 10 litres of water.  This is the preferred option.  It’s the most effective and gives a very fast brownout.  However it is best when applied in the warmer months (say Oct-Mar).
• Glyphosate 360  g/L at 200ml + 10ml  SuperWetter  organosilicone penetrant per 10 litres of water
• Glyphosate 540 use 130ml + 10ml  SuperWetter  organosilicone adjuvant per 10 litres of water
• Granny , then use 90g + 10ml  SuperWetter  organosilicone wetter per 10 litres of water.

This is the best option when you don’t want any soil residues, and when you are spraying close to waterways (say 5 metres).  Don’t spray directly onto the waterway.

• MSF600 at 5g +  Glyphosate 360  at 100ml + 10ml  SuperWetter  organosilicone penetrant per 10 litres of water.  This is a more effective option than  Glyphosate 360  alone, and results in less regrowth.  Don’t use this one very close to water as the  MSF600  will damage aquatic plants even at low (i.e. overspray) concentrations.

Combining the  Triclo   and  Glyphosate 360  (or Glyphosate 540  or Granny ) recommendations into a single spray has also worked extremely well according to customer reports.

Cut'n'Paste Weedkiller Gels to Kill Wandering Jew

• Glimax Professional  or  Bamboo Buster  applied as a 4-5mm gel on the freshly cut stump is effective and easy to use.

In all cases, it will be likely necessary to do one or more repeat applications to eradicate any surviving/regrowing plants.

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Trad ( Tradescantia fluminensis )

Trad is a groundcover with shiny green leaves and white flowers. It forms dense mats that outcompete other plants.

Biosecurity duty

How does this weed affect you.

Trad is an environmental weed that:

• forms dense mats that outcompete other plants including natives
• can contribute to flooding by clogging watercourses and drains
• can causes severe allergic skin reactions in animals and occasionally people.

In New South Wales, trad threatens five endangered ecological communities:

• Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
• Littoral Rainforest in the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
• River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
• Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion
• Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions.

What does it look like?

Trad is a slightly succulent groundcover that forms very dense mats. It is usually perennial but sometimes annual.

Leaves are:

• dark green and shiny with prominent midveins
• 2.5–5.5 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide
• oval to lance shaped with a pointed tip
• attached to the stem via a sheath that has fine hairs on its margins.

Flowers are:

• white with 3 petals, each 7–10 mm long, and 3 green sepals (leaf-like structures) under the petals
• on stalks 1–2 cm long
• present in spring–summer, later in warmer parts of NSW.
• about 2 mm long
• not known to produce viable seed in Australia.
• green and succulent
• sometimes upright
• swollen at the nodes.
• are thin and fibrous
• are purplish
• grow from the nodes on the stems.

Similar looking plants

Trad looks similar to:

• Scurvy weed ( Commelina cyanea ) , a native plant which has blue flowers, thicker stems and narrower leaves.
• Oplismenus native grasses ( O. aemulus, O. imbecillis and O. undulatifolius ). These can look similar when not flowering The leaves are sparsely hairy and have hairy ligules.
• Other introduced Tradescantia species ( T. zebrina and T.cerinthoide s) are purplish on the underside of the leaves. T. zebrina is striped on the top of the leaf.
• Aneilema species which have larger leaves up to 10 cm long.

Where is it found?

Trad is widespread in higher rainfall areas of NSW. It has been found in the North Coast, Hunter, Greater Sydney, Northern Tablelands, North West and South East regions  

Trad is native to tropical rainforests in parts of South America. Introduction into Australia is most likely to have been as an ornamental garden plant.

What type of environment does it grow in?

Trad can grow in tropical to cool moist temperate climates, but it is sensitive to frosts. If the stems are protected by leaf litter, they can quickly regrow after frost damage.

Fertile damp soils are preferred and it can survive in seasonally waterlogged soils. Plants can tolerate full sun and shaded areas, though in very heavy shade it is not as competitive against other plants.

Trad has been found growing:

• in subtropical rainforests, temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests (especially in gaps and along the margins)
• in moist woodlands and heathlands
• along the edges of waterways
• in disturbed areas such as roadsides, ditches and gardens.

How does it spread?

By plant parts.

Trad can grow from any stem fragments that have a node. New plants can grow from fragments as small as 1 cm long. Stem fragments are spread by:

• people moving garden waste
• moving water
• contaminated soil
• vehicles and machinery
• sticking in animal hooves

CABI (2019). Data Sheet: Tradescantia fluminensis ( wandering Jew). Retrieved 16 May 2023 from https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.54389

Dugdale, T. M., McLaren, D. A., & Conran, J. G. (2015). The biology of Australian weeds 65.'Tradescantia fluminensis' Vell. Plant Protection Quarterly, 30(4), 116-125.

Muyt, A. (2001). Bush Invaders of South-East Australia: a guide to the identification and control of environmental weeds found in south-east Australia. R.G. & F.J. Richardson, Victoria.

PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System). Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney.  Retrieved 16 May 2023 from: https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Tradescantia~fluminensis

Standish, R. J., Robertson, A. W., & Williams, P. A. (2001). The impact of an invasive weed Tradescantia fluminensis on native forest regeneration. Journal of Applied Ecology , 38 (6), 1253-1263.

More information

• PlantNET NSW FloraOnline, Tradescantia fluminensis. Royal Botanical Gardens and Domain Trust.
• Weed Futures: Determining current and future weed threats in Australia, Tradescantia fluminensis. Macquarie University.

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Successful weed control relies on follow up after the initial efforts. This means looking for and killing regrowth or new seedlings. Using a combination of control methods is usually more successful.

Physical removal

Small infestations can be pulled out, but all stems and roots must be removed to avoid re-growth.

Raking and Rolling

Thick patches can be raked and rolled into bundles where there are no desirable plants.

Plastic sheeting

In warm areas, lay plastic over the trad infestation for 2–6 weeks in warm weather. After removing the plastic, check for and control regrowth.

Disposal of all plant parts carefully. In hot weather bundles of trad can be covered by plastic sheets for 2-6 weeks. Ensure that the trad is in a flood free area that will not be disturbed. Check and control any regrowth. Contact your local council for advice on how to dispose of this weed.

Revegetation

Closely planting canopy-forming trees when restoring forest remnants can help limit the impact of trad on native seedling growth.

Chemical control

Combine herbicide with a wetting agent. Repeated follow-up treatments are required.

Spot spraying

Spraying is suitable for dense infestations that are not too close to other desirable plants. Apply herbicide to actively growing plants. Ensure that all the foliage is covered.

Weed wipers

Apply herbicide directly onto leaves. This can better target the chemical and minimise damage to other species.

Herbicide options

See Using herbicides for more information.

PERMIT 11916 Expires 31/03/2025 Glyphosate 360 g/L (Various products) Rate: 200 mL per 10 L of water + surfactant Comments: Spray evenly to cover all of the foliage. For use in urban bushland, forests and coastal reserves. Treat in winter or early spring for best results. Spray twice 6–8 weeks apart. Retreatment is essential. See permit for further critical comments. Withholding period: Nil. Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition) Resistance risk: Moderate

Fluroxypyr 200 g/L (Various products) Rate: 1.5 L in 100 L of water Comments: Foliar application. Re-treatment necessary. Young plants up to and including flowering. Withholding period: Do not graze failed crops and treated pastures or cut for stock feed for 7 days after application. See label for further information. Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics) Resistance risk: Moderate

Fluroxypyr 333 g/L (Starane™ Advanced) Rate: 900 mL in 100 L of water Comments: Foliar application. Re-treatment necessary. Young plants up to and including flowering. Withholding period: Do not graze failed crops and treated pastures or cut for stock food for 7 days after application. See label for more information. Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics) Resistance risk: Moderate

Picloram 44.7 g/L + Aminopyralid 4.47 g/L (Vigilant II ®) Rate: Undiluted (16 g /m2)) Comments: Use a long-handled paint roller or similar making sure the foliage has been completely flattened during application. Withholding period: Nil. Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics) Resistance risk: Moderate

The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.

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Wandering Jew, Wandering Trad, Trad, Creeping Christian, Wandering Tradescantia, Water Spiderwort, Wandering Willie, Wandering Creeper

WEEDS AUSTRALIA - profiles

Quick Facts

What does it look like, why is it a weed, how to manage it, where is it found, national and state weed listings, names and taxonomy, quick facts.

• Originally from South America, Wandering Trad ( Tradescantia fluminensis ) is a perennial, semi-succulent, shinny green, short, erect, ground cover, with small white flowers.
• Smothers native and garden vegetation and prevents regeneration of all plants.
• Every fragment of stem can potentially regrow and needs to be removed and destroyed off-site.
• It is difficult to remove because the stems snap off easily leaving segments that can regenerate.
• It causes allergic reactions on the skin of humans and dogs.
• Small infestation can be removed by hand but all stems and roots must be removed to prevent re-growth
• Spraying with herbicides and a penetrate will work eventually, but repeat follow-up treatments is required for regrowth.

What is it?

Wandering Trad ( Tradescantia fluminensis ) is a perennial (long lived), semi-succulent, shiny-green,  trailing to erect herb. Stems develop roots at the nodes (the part of a stem where leaves or branches arise.) along its hairless and somewhat succulent stem. The leaves clasp the stem and are alternately arranged. They are ovate (shaped like a section through the long axis of an egg and attached by the wider end) to narrow ovate, with a pointed tip, 2.5–5.5 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, with a prominent middle vein and less distinct parallel veins on either side.

The flowers are white, about 1 cm across, arranged in small groups and have three pointed white petals broadly ovate to elliptic (oval), 7–10 mm long. Stamens  (pollen bearing stalks, male parts) are free, filaments white, woolly to bearded at the base, stamens are yellow tipped .

Fruit are not formed in Australia (Walsh & Entwistle 1994; Harden 2007; Miles undated).

For further information and assistance with identification of Wandering Trad, contact the herbarium in your state or territory.

Flower colour

Growth form (weed type/habit), where it currently grows preferred habitat.

Wandering Trad is a weed of forests, forest margins, urban bushland, open woodlands, riparian vegetation, roadsides, ditches, waste areas, disturbed sites and gardens. It prefers damp and shaded areas in temperate and sub-tropical regions, but will also grow in more open habitats and in tropical regions. It prefers shaded moist situations, such as wet sclerophyll forest, rainforest, riparian vegetation and creek banks (Harden 2007). It will also establish in open sunny positions, but its growth is slow unless soil moisture levels are high (Muyt 2001). It is frost tender (Blood 2001). 

Are there similar species?

There are a number of species of native and introduced plants that can be confused with Wandering Trad. Commelina and Aneilema species have very similar foliage, and flowers are needed for positive identification. The flowers of Aneilema (white) and Commelina (blue) have three fertile stamens with pollen and three stamens without pollen, whereas Wandering Trad has six fertile stamens.

Species of the native grass Oplismenus may appear similar to Wandering Trad when not in flower, but they have smaller, narrower leaves that are hairy. The native orchid species Cheirostylis ovata and Zeuxine oblonga may also appear similar when not in flower.

Tradescantia zebrina , T. pallida and T. cerinthoides  [as T. blossfeldiana ] are garden species that have naturalised in some areas, but they differ from Wandering Trad in having leaves that are purplish underneath (Walsh & Entwisle 1994; Harden 2007).

What are its impacts?

Wandering Trad out-competes native vegetation and smothers the ground by sending out roots at each node (leaf joint).  

Native ecosystems : Wandering Trad is a major weed in gardens and greenhouses. It forms dense mats up to 60 cm deep with stems up to 4 m long (Blood 2001). It also smothers native vegetation and prevents regeneration of all plants. It completely dominates the ground layer, preventing the germination of shrub and tree species (Muyt 2001). Research in New Zealand found that a dramatic decrease in species richness and abundance of native seedlings could be attributed to an increase in Wandering Trad biomass and a consequent decrease in light availability (Standish et al. 2001). The plant prevents regeneration of trees and shrubs, increases litter decomposition, altering nutrient cycling and inhibit germination of native species.  Can be found growing in the understory of disturbed forests, along roadsides, riparian areas and coastal forests. They are also common on old home sites and once established have the potential to grow forming a dense ground cover or “bed” in the understory (Brisbane City Council 2021).  

Human and agriculture impacts : Wandering Trad causes allergic reactions on the skin of humans and especially dogs, and has been reported as toxic to cattle (Blood 2001). Mats growing on riverbanks can break away with water flow and contribute to flooding.

How does it spread?

Wandering Trad does not set seed in Australia. All spread occurs from stem segments that will readily take root when in contact with the soil. Stem fragments easily break off and may be dispersed by water, vehicles, machinery such as lawn mowers and slashers, in dumped garden waste or in contaminated soil through soil movement. Stem segments can survive for a year without roots or contact with the soil (Blood 2001; Muyt 2001). 

What is its history in Australia?

Wandering Trad was almost certainly introduced into Australia as a plant for a pot or the garden (Sutherland Shire Council 2003).

Best practice management

Chemical control : Spraying with selective or non-selective herbicides will work eventually, but repeat treatments of regrowth will be needed. Plants should not be under any moisture stress when sprayed. Surfactants (wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading) will improve penetration into the waxy-coated leaves (Miles undated).

Please see the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for further chemical information http://www.apvma.gov.au .

Non-chemical control : Small infestations of Wandering Trad can be removed by hand or by raking and rolling up the stems (Muyt 2001). Very small infestations can be dug out, but every fragment of stem can potentially regrow and therefore needs to be removed and destroyed off-site but manual removal may cause disturbance to the soil profile and stimulate germination of other weed species. In sunny situations, covering the plant with plastic sheeting for six weeks in the warmer months will weaken the plant. After removing the plastic any regrowth can be dug or sprayed. This method will not work in full shade.

Research in New Zealand found that under their climatic conditions the most effective method for sustained control of Wandering Trad, without subsequent invasion of control areas by other weeds, was artificial shading. Efforts to control Wandering Trad by repeated herbicide application or hand weeding resulted in the regrowth of Wandering Trad and invasion by other weeds which hindered native forest regeneration (Standish 2002).

An infestation of Wandering Trad was successfully removed from a large garden in Sydney by intensive use of chickens. The chickens were confined to small areas of the garden beds until the plant was cleared above and below ground. Areas which were not to be cultivated were covered with plastic and mulched. The plastic was removed after six months (Pellow pers. comm. 2007).

Do not dump, as this plant can re-root and establish after initial removal and can cause serious problems in natural areas.

Biological control: A leaf fungus ( Kordyana brasiliensis) that attacks leaves of Wandering trad is currently being researched by CSIRO has been trial released in places in Victoria. For information on biological control and this project, please see: CSIRO (2021): Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (2018).

Does it have a biological control agent?

When does it grow (lifecycle/growth calendar).

Wandering Trad flowers mainly in spring and summer, but no viable seeds are produced. Propagation is from stem segments only. There are two stages to its growth, sterile and fertile.  Sterile growth is mainly prostrate, spreading rapidly and rooting at the nodes. Fertile, flowering growth is upright and these stems have a reduced capacity to develop roots. Frost will cause the plant to die back, but any protected stem segments will quickly regenerate (Blood 2001).

Which states and territories is it found?

NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

What areas within states and territories is it found?

Wandering Trad is a relatively widespread species that is found in the south-eastern and eastern parts of the country. It is most common in the coastal regions of New South Wales, Victoria and south-eastern Queensland. It is also present in south-eastern South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, and in some inland regions of Victoria (Navie 2004).

Where does it originate?

Wandering Trad is originally from Brazil in South America. It has subsequently spread to many other parts of the world, including New Zealand, south-east Asia, South Africa and North America (Blood 2001).

Is it a Weed of National Significance (WONS)?

Where is it a declared weed.

Nor declared in any states or territories. 

Government weed strategies and lists – Weeds Australia

Is it on the National Alert List for Environmental Weeds?

Is it on the agricultural sleeper list, main scientific name.

Tradescantia fluminensis

Other scientific names (synonyms)?

Tradescantia albiflora Kunth (misapplied by Conn, B.J. 1994, Flowering Plants (Magnoliophyta). Flora of Victoria Edn 1. 2: 176, 36a-b.)

Does it have other known common name(s)?

Wandering Jew, Trad, Creeping Christian, Wandering Tradescantia, Water Spiderwort, Wandering Willie, Wandering Creeper

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Bibliography

Australian Plant Census (2011) available at:  Vascular Plants APNI (biodiversity.org.au) .

Australia's Virtual Herbarium (AVH) (2007). Council of Heads of Australian Herbaria (CHAH). Available at:  Home - AVH (chah.org.au) .

Blood, K. (2001).  Environmental Weeds: a Field Guide for SE Australia . CH Jerram & Associates, Mt Waverley, Victoria.

Harden, G.J. (2007).  Tradescantia albiflora  Kunth in PlantNET - The Plant Information Network System of Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia (Version 2.0). Available at:  PlantNET - FloraOnline (nsw.gov.au)

Miles, J. (undated). Wandering Jew ( Tradescantia fluminensis,  syn . T. albiflora ) South Coast Weeds, Eurobodalla Shire Council, New South Wales.

Muyt, A. (2001).  Bush Invaders of South-East Australia: a guide to the identification and control of environmental weeds found in south-east Australia . R.G. & F.J. Richardson, Victoria.

Navie S. (2004). Declared Plants of Australia. An identification and information system. Centre for Biological Information Technology: Brisbane. [CD-ROM]

Pellow, B. (2007). Janet Cosh Herbarium, University of Wollongong. Personal communication.

Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W. & Williams P.A. (2001). The impact of an invasive weed  Tradescantia fluminensis  on native forest regeneration.  Journal of Applied Ecology  38, 1253-1263.

Standish, R.J. (2002). Experimenting with methods to control  Tradescantia fluminensis,  an invasive weed of native forest remnants in New Zealand. N.Z. J. Ecol. 26(2) 161-170.

Sutherland Shire Council (2003). Weed Fact Sheet:  Tradescanita fluminensis.  TRAD. Wandering Jew.

Walsh, N.G. & Entwisle, T.J. (1994).  Flora of Victoria . Volume 2. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Agriculture Victoria (2021).  Impact Assessment - Wandering creeper (Tradescantia fluminensis) in Victoria . Victoria State Government. Available at:  Impact Assessment - Wandering creeper (Tradescantia fluminensis) in Victoria | VRO | Agriculture Victoria

Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (2018).  Final risk analysis report for the release of Kordyana brasiliensisfor the biological control of Tradescantia fluminensis,  Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra. Available at:  kordyana-brasiliensis-report-final.pdf (agriculture.gov.au) [pdf link]

CSIRO (2021)  Wadering Trad biological control . CSIRO. Available at:  Our research – Wandering trad biological control (csiro.au) .

DPI, NSW (2019). NSW Weedwise, Department of Primary Industry (DPI). Available at:  NSW WeedWise

eFlora (2020). eFlora of South Australia. Electronic Flora of South Australia. Available at:  Electronic Flora of South Australia

POWO (2019).  Plants of the World Online.  Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Available at:  Tradescantia fluminensis Vell. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science

Queensland Government (2016).  Tradescantia fluminensis,  Weeds of Australia, Biosecurity Queensland Edition .  Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI). Available at:  Tradescantia fluminensis (lucidcentral.org)

Queensland Government (2020).  Invasive Plant, Wandering jew or trad, Tradescantia albiflora.  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). Available (updated) at:  Wandering jew or trad (daf.qld.gov.au)

Tamar Valley Weed Strategy Working Group (2015).  Wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis).

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System. (2021). Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Taxonomy). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available at:  Simple Query Species Data GRIN-Global (pir.sa.gov.au)  

VicFlora (2016).  Flora of Victoria,  Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Available at:  VicFlora: Tradescantia fluminensis (rbg.vic.gov.au)

Blackberry – a community-driven approach in Victoria

Blackberry the weed (Rubus fruticosus aggregate) was first introduced to Australia by European settlers in the mid-1800s as a fruit. It was recognised as a weed by mid-1880s. Blackberry is a serious issue across Australia. It is estimated that blackberry infests approximately 8.8 million hectares of land at an estimated cost of $103 million in annual control and production losses.

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Tradescantia

Tradescantia is a succulent, brittle weed that can easily break and fragment.

Botanical name: Tradescantia fluminensis

Family name: Commelinaceae

Tradescantia.

Tradescantia is more correctly known as wandering Jew in New Zealand, but as this name is considered offensive to some people, it has been decided to call it tradescantia on this site. Some in New Zealand have decided to call it wandering willie, though many organisations within this country have now moved to the name of tradescantia to get away from the offensive nature of the official name.

Tradescantia is a succulent perennial plant that is an environmental weed, causing major problems under trees and in bush reserves throughout the North Island in some parts of the South Island. Originally from South America, it has been grown as an ornamental garden plant for many years and also in hanging pots, but the sale in garden centres is now banned because of its invasive nature.

Tradescantia can form thick mats of vegetation in moist, shady areas within bush reserves, it stops new seedlings of trees and shrubs from establishing wherever it grows. Although it is not thought to produce seeds within New Zealand, it spreads due to the brittle nature of its stems, resulting in the plant fragmenting easily, and these fragments do not dry out easily.

It probably spreads mainly during periods of flooding, when it gets washed into new areas. It also gets into new areas through people dumping garden waste on roadsides, as it is commonly found in many gardens, especially where gardens have been growing for many decades.

Apart from being a major problem within bush areas and shady gardens, it can cause allergic skin reactions in dogs and other animals running through the foliage. It is also exceedingly difficult to get rid of once established.

Distinguishing features

Tradescantia leaves and flower.

The succulent, brittle nature of the stems distinguishes it from a number of other species that grow on shady forest floors such as periwinkle ( Vinca major ) and ivy ( Hedera helix ).

Each leaf is oval-shaped, shiny, smooth and slightly fleshy with pointed tips. When growing in a mat, this can get 50 cm deep at times. It produces white flowers about 2 cm across in spring to early summer, with each having three petals, whereas periwinkle has blue flowers.

Tradescantia covering ground beneath trees.

Most herbicides give very poor control. The best chemical appears to be triclopyr, which is sold under such trade names as Grazon, Eliminate, Scrubcutter and in garden centres as Hydrocotyle Killer. Even with this herbicide, re-treatment may be necessary.

Amitrole has been used in the past, and although this works better than glyphosate, it is not as effective as triclopyr. Likewise, metsulfuron has some activity on it but is a less effective herbicide. However, triclopyr is mainly used for controlling scrub weeds, so be careful not to spray it on nearby shrubs.

Some people have attempted to rake the plant up under hot dry conditions rather than use herbicide, but this seldom works as any fragments left behind will regenerate, and the raked material has to be disposed of carefully so it doesn’t spread to new areas.

Picloram gel (Vigilant) has sometimes been applied to it with a paint roller, but this cannot be recommended as the persistent picloram residues can be taken up by the roots of trees and shrubs growing underneath the treated weed and cause severe damage to these trees and shrubs.

Similar species

Cleavers have foliage and fruits with tiny hooks that can cling to surfaces.

Great bindweed

Great bindweed is a vine that produces heart-shaped leaves and large white flowers.

Ivy is a vine-like weed very commonly found in gardens.

Herbicide selection for wandering Jew (<i>Tradescantia fluminensis</i>) control

• G.A. Hurrell

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Most read articles by the same author(s)

• T.K. James, A. Rahman, J. Mellsop, Weed competition in maize crop under different timings for postemergence weed control , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 53 (2000)
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• M.J. Hartley, A. Rahman, K.C. Harrington, T.K. James, Assessing ground covers in a newly planted apple orchard , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 53 (2000)
• T.K. James, A. Rahman, J. Hicking, Mesotrione a new herbicide for weed control in maize , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 59 (2006)
• A. Rahman, C.A. Dowsett, M.R. Trolove, T.K. James, Soil residual activity and plantback periods for the herbicides saflufenacil and topramezone , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 67 (2014)
• M.R. Trolove, T.K. James, A.W. Holmes, M.D. Parker, S.J. McDougall, M.R. Pirie, Winter cover crops to reduce herbicide inputs in maize crops , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 70 (2017)
• K.N. Tozer, T.K. James, C. Ferguson, A. Meikle, AgPest — a decision support tool for New Zealand’s pastoral industry , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 70 (2017)
• T.K. James, A. Rahman, Efficacy of several organic herbicides and glyphosate formulations under simulated rainfall , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 58 (2005)
• H. Ghanizadeh, K.C. Harrington, T.K. James, D.J. Woolley, Confirmation of glyphosate resistance in two species of ryegrass from New Zealand vineyards , New Zealand Plant Protection: Vol. 66 (2013)

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Product Q&A

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Michael from Copperas Cove, Tx writes

What is the solution to eradicate an infestation of Fluminensis/ Wandering Jew?

I have applied a super strong solution of glyphosate weed killer numerous times with no success. Exposed vegetation dies off but quickly regrows. Please advise on a solution.

Glyphosate alone does not always control wandering Jew/Spiderwort/tradescantia because it can reroot easily if any plant fragments are left in the area. We would recommend a product that contains triclopyr such as Monterey Spurge Power for more complete kill on this plant. Cultural practices such as removing all plant litter and bringing native plants into the area to better compete will also help to eradicate this plant.

Answer last updated on: 07/29/2017

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34 of 38 people found this answer helpful.

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Wandering Jew

Tradescantia fluminensis

Other names

Wandering Willie

• Description

Dark green leaves in which yellow and white markings may occur. Alternate dark green shiny pointed leaves, small triangular white flowers with 3 petals, succulent stems rooting at the nodes. Variegated form has purple and green upper surface to leaves and solid purple undersides.

• Similar plants

Periwinkle leaves are similar shape but shiny: the flowers are distinctive. Periwinkle is also potentially toxic if eaten but animals avoid it.

• Distribution

Used as ground cover in gardens. In partial shade, especially under trees. Used as indoor plants (usually variegated form) and a common noxious weed.

An irritant effect due to calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves has been proposed. Reaction is due to a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Once sensitisation has occurred, re exposure of the animal to the offending substance will result in the development of a dermatitis.

Species affected

Predominantly affects dogs and rarely humans.

Clinical signs acute

Crusting erythema, papules and pustules. Intense pruritis depending on amount of contact and inherent hypersensitivity of the dog.

Clinical signs chronic

Post mortem signs.

Microscopic examination from affected dogs reveal histological changes compatible with allergic contact dermatitis. In 48 hour biopsies there are vesicles within the epidermis, lymphocytes and macrophages present to a moderate degree around superficial dermal vessels and down hair follicles. The epidermal cells were widely separated by oedema.

History of exposure. Made ultimately when the dog is removed from the environment resulting in marked improvement and return to the environment causing rapid recurrence of the lesions. The allergic cause is supported by delayed reaction with closed patch testing and by characteristic histological findings.

• Differential diagnosis

Flea bite dermatitis, flea allergy or insect bites. In young dogs sarcoptes scabiei, dermatophytoses and hook worm dermatitis . Self trauma secondary to pruritis in atopy. Contact dermatitis from a number of plants, irritant contact dermatitis, bacterial dermatitis.

Corticosteroids can decrease level of clinical signs. Washing with chlorhexidine may reduce the signs of allergy. Oxpentifylline may be used when avoidance is not possible and corticosteroids are ineffective or have side effects unacceptable to the owners or patients.

Excellent with complete avoidance of the offending allergen, however this may not always be possible.

Remove plant from garden; do not walk dogs in public areas where the plant occurs.

Conner H.E. The Poisonous Plants In New Zealand. 1992. GP Publications Ltd, Wellington

Kunkle, G.A. and Gross,T.L. (1983) Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Tradescantia Fluminensis (Wandering Jew) in a Dog. The Compendium on Continuing Education. Vol 5, No.11. p925 930

Marsella, R., .Kunkle, G.A and Lewis, D.T.(1997) Use of Pentoxifyline in the Treatment of Allergic Contact Reactions to Plants of the Commelincae Family in Dogs. Veterinary Dermatology. Vol 8. No2, 121 126

Parton K, Bruere A.N. and Chambers J.P. Veterinary Clinical Toxicology, 2nd ed. 2001. Veterinary Continuing Education Publication No. 208

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How on earth do you kill wandering Jew?

You mean wandering Jew, right? Go to the nursery and get the strongest herbicide that they have.

I know people who use Roundup and add a cup of Diesel fuel to the mix. It kills very stubborn poison oak. Don't use it in fire season though. And think of the environmental impact too.

Use vinegar. Easy fast and quick.

• See 2 previous

Great I use vinegar for cleaning, I will definitely try it to kill it

Does it stay gone with the vinager

should I use white or cider vinager

Plain old white vinegar. I buy at Costco, Sam's Club or any restaurant supply for $2 a gallon. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are 5% acidity. Cleaning vinegar is 6% acidity, agricultural vinegar varies between 10% - 30% acidity. It is the acid that kills the plants.

If you want to plant something else there, don't use Roundup! Try vinegar, then dig up the roots after the top dies. Big job, unfortunately.

Vinegar and Dawn soap, salt, Weed Dragon to burn it

What’s weed dragon

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• Weed biocontrol

Wandering trad biological control

Fungal biocontrol of a creeping invader for sustainable recovery of impacted native vegetation

Wandering trad ( Tradescantia fluminensis ) is an herbaceous groundcover native to South America that has become a significant environmental weed of temperate regions of Australia, with hotspots of invasion in moist forests of eastern NSW, south east Queensland and the Dandenong Ranges region of Victoria.

Infestation of wandering trad in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.

The leaf-smut fungus Kordyana brasiliensis was first released in the field in Australia for the biological control (biocontrol) of wandering trad in March 2019. This agent was discovered on wandering trad during surveys in Brazil performed by researchers at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. This exploratory research was part of the biocontrol program for this weed in New Zealand, led by Landcare Research.

CSIRO has been involved in research on wandering trad biocontrol since 2014. The risk assessment that was the basis of the application to seek permission for the release of the leaf-smut fungus in Australia was financially supported by CSIRO and the Australian Government’s National Environmental Research/Science Programme administered by the Department of the Environment and Energy.

The leaf-smut fungus Kordyana brasiliensis released in Australia in March 2019.

Research to develop optimal protocols for field release of the fungus and subsequent releases in the Dandenong Ranges region of Victoria in partnership with the community was co-funded by CSIRO and the Australian Government under the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program administered by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and supported by the Community Weeds Alliance of the Dandenongs. These activities were part of a broader project seeking biocontrol solutions for sustainable management of environmental weeds, which also includes Cape ivy ( Delairea odorata ) and angled onion ( Allium triquetrum ) that ended in October 2020.

A new project from July 2020 to June 2023, co-funded by CSIRO and the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust, will be facilitating stakeholders’ releases of the fungus across the range of wandering trad in New South Wales. The project will also monitor the impact of the fungus on the weed and flow-on indirect impact on other vegetation at several sites during that period.