Guessing tradescantia / spiderwort

Wow, bingo! Images of Tradescantia virginiana are a match! Thanks--that was fast.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions once I get a better look at what else is there.

It is so prevalent here. So much so that my husband calls it "city weed." I have embraced a couple of small clumps in my borders that are maintained to a reasonable size. I rip a good amount out every year. It will come back unless you get all the roots. It has thick juicy stems which bleed when you pull it out and the sap is irritating so I never go at it without my gloves. How kind of you to volunteer for the school. This forum is a fantastic resource if you have more questions.

Thanks Arlene! I have become a limited expert on what's in my own gardens, but there are some overgrown patches at the school that have some mystery plants in them, and I'd love to get under control. I'll be careful around the spiderwort sap. Frankly, a "weed-like" perennial that can take some neglect and choke out weeds might not be a bad choice for the school!

I was just thinking that. For a school situation where tough plants which can take neglect are required, Spiderwort might be a good choice..