Virginia Spiderwort Fae
Hello Fae Friends,
One of my favorite flowers for eco-printing is the Virginia Spiderwort (aka Spiderwort, Spider Lily, Lady’s Tears). These lovely specimens attract a large number of pollinators and is a food source for a large number of mammals.
Fun Fact: The blue to violet blossoms of Virginia spiderwort had an unexpected role as radiation sensors. During the Cold War period, it was found that its stamen hairs turned pink even with low levels of radiation exposure. This color shift, due to DNA damage in the cells by ionizing radiation, indicated changes in the plants phenols. Consequently, Virginia spiderwort was used to monitor nuclear site safety and to detect cosmic radiation impacts on spacefarers.
Spiderwort symbolizes immortality, moral authority, and optimism. Sounds good, yes?
I’ve found these resilient & useful plants make great prints. Earlier this week I was working on a spiderwort print from last spring and discovered a unique, medusa-like fae in the echo of the blossom, and a variety of others tucked into the leaves, and the hollows between.
What stories do you think they tell? Are they whispering their names to you? Sahre if you dare 🙃
Here’s a pic of the plants and the colored pencil enhanced print together:
We hope you enjoyed today’s trip on The Fae Way.
Remember to say hello to the flowers and the trees and the bumble-y bees and, maybe, leave a gifty for the Fae along the way.
Love All Ways,
Jessi & The Fae
🧚🏻♂️
PS: Do you live in Arlington, Va or the surrounding area? Wanna get up close and personal with the Fae? If yes, join me on Sunday, April 27th for the Langston Blvd. Alliance’s Earth Day Every Day Festival. This is a family friendly event with games, food, art market and more.
